1. n. [Geology]

A term applied to hard rocks, or igneous and metamorphic rocks that are distinguished from sedimentary rocks because they are typically more difficult to disaggregate. Well cemented sedimentary rocks are sometimes described as being hard, but are usually called soft rock. The term can be used to differentiate between rocks of interest to the petroleum industry (soft rocks) and rocks of interest to the mining industry (hard rocks).

Antonyms: soft rock

See related terms: igneous,  metamorphic