Download Rocks and minerals

By Sadie and Imogen
Rocks, minerals and soil
Minerals are naturally occurring substances formed by
geological processes. They are usually solid and feature a
crystal structure as well as specific physical properties and
chemical composition.
Physical properties of minerals include crystal structure,
hardness (Mohs scale), (how it reflects light) and color, as well
as more complicated properties such as streak, fracture,
cleavage and density.
Igneous rock is formed when magma cools and solidifies, it may
do this above or below the Earth's surface.
Magma can be forced into rocks, blown out in volcanic
explosions or forced to the surface as lava.
The basic idea behind plate tectonics is that there are eight
major plates on the surface of the Earth. There are also
bunches of minor plates. The plates are like the skin of the
planet. They constantly move around the planet. When we say
constantly moving, we're talking centimeters each year. You
couldn't sit down and watch it happen. Or can you? You could
watch it happen if you watched an earthquake.
•Rocks and stones are naturally occurring solids made up
of minerals.
•The Earth's crust is made up of rock.
•Rocks have been used by humans for millions of years,
from early tools and weapons through to various
construction materials.
Soil is like a cake made from lots of different
things. Soil consists of crumbling rock or sanhe so
like a cake made from lots of different things. Soil
consists of crumbling rock or sand, clay, dead
plant and soil is the loose upper layer of the Earth's
surface where plants grow. Soil consists of a mix of
organic material (decayed plants and animals) and broken
bits of rocks and minerals.
animal remains, fungi and even manure. It also
contains lots of tiny creatures, such as
earthworms. Earthworms turn the plant and
animal material into nutrients. They also dig
through the soil, which lightens and loosens it so
plants grow better., which lightens and loosens it
so plants grow better.
Jan-garnet
Feb-amethyst
March –aquamarine
April-diamond
May-emerald
June-pearl
July-ruby
August-peridot
Sep-sapphire
Oct-pink tourm.
Nov-topaz
Dec-blue topaz
Metamorphic rocks have been changed over time by extreme
pressure and heat.
Metamorphic rocks can be formed by pressure deep under the
Earth's surface, from the extreme heat caused by magma or by
the intense collisions and friction of tectonic plates.
Uplift and erosion help bring metamorphic rock to the Earth's
surface.
Sedimentary rocks are formed by sediment that is deposited
over time, usually as layers at the bottom of lakes and oceans.
This sediment can include minerals, small pieces of plants and
other organic matter.
The sediment is compressed over a long period of time before
consolidating into solid layers of rock.
Gold is shiny, soft and dense. It is also malleable, which means
it can easily be beaten into thin sheets or other shapes.