The rock cycle illustrates how rocks change from one type to another through geological processes.

The Rock Cycle shows how rocks change from one type to another over time through different processes.

Here’s how it works step by step:

1. Igneous Rock forms when magma (molten rock) cools and hardens.
2. Igneous rock can be broken down by weathering and erosion into small pieces called sediment.
3. Sediment gets pressed together and glued by minerals in a process called compaction and cementation, forming sedimentary rock.
4. If sedimentary rock is buried deep underground, it can be changed by heat and pressure into metamorphic rock.
5. Metamorphic rock can also turn back into magma if it melts under extreme heat.
6. Magma then cools again to form new igneous rock — and the cycle continues!

Also note:
- Any rock type (igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic) can melt into magma.
- Any rock type can break down into sediment via weathering and erosion.
- Heat and pressure can change both igneous and sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rock.

This cycle never stops — rocks are always changing!

Final Answer:
The rock cycle describes how igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks transform into each other through processes like cooling, melting, weathering, erosion, compaction, cementation, and application of heat and pressure.