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By: Megan Tietz
What is a Mineral?
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A mineral is an inorganic naturallyoccurring crystalline solid. It has
specific physical properties and a
definite chemical composition.
http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/minerals/faq.html#mineral
What is a Rock?
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A rock is usually composed of 2 or
more minerals in some physical
combination, although some rocks are
composed of only one mineral.
Is a Rock a Mineral?
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No. Although a rock is also inorganic
and occurs naturally, it is not a
crystalline solid. It is a consolidated
material composed of grains of one or
more minerals .
http://www.sdnhm.org/kids/minerals/faq.html#mineral
How are Rocks Formed
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There are three types of ways rocks
are formed…
Sedimentary Rocks
Igneous Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks
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When rocky fragments and sediments are
deposited together by wind, water or ice,
they gradually (over thousands or more
years) cement together into new rocks,
called sedimentary rocks. Limestone and
sandstone are common sedimentary rocks.
You can often find fossils embedded in
these rocks—they were deposited together
with the sediments!
http://www.childrensmuseum.org/geomysteries/faqs.html
Limestone
Shale
Conglomerate
Gypsum
Sandstone
http://sln.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/expert/gneiss.htm
Igneous Rocks
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When molten rock called magma rises
up from the earth's mantle deep
underground, it forms igneous rocks.
Some igneous rocks erupt from
volcanoes as lava or pumice. Others,
like granite, form in underground
magma chambers.
http://www.childrensmuseum.org/geomysteries/faqs.html
Granite
Scoria
Pumice
Obsidian
http://sln.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/expert/gneiss.htm
Metamorphic Rocks
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Sometimes sedimentary and igneous rocks
are changed dramatically by forces inside
the Earth. Extreme heat or pressure
underground can bake, squeeze, or fold
rocks into something new. Then they are
called metamorphic rocks—metamorphic is
Greek for "change of form.“
http://www.childrensmuseum.org/geomysteries/faqs.html
Schist
Gneiss
http://sln.fi.edu/fellows/payton/rocks/expert/gneiss.htm
www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/rock.html
Does the Rock Cycle Ever
Stop?
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No, the rock cycle never stops. Rocks
keep breaking down and into pieces
and keep changing into other types of
rocks. It’s just one big cycle that
keeps going and going…
Rocks and Heat
All rock can be heated. But where does
the heat come from? Inside Earth there
is heat from pressure (push your hands
together very hard and feel the heat).
There is heat from friction (rub your
hands together and feel the heat). There
is also heat from radioactive decay (the
process that gives us nuclear power
plants that make electricity).
So, what does the heat do to the rock? It
bakes the rock.
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/rock.html
Properties of a Mineral
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You can tell the differences between
minerals by looking for certain properties.
Because each mineral is unique both
chemically and structurally, each has its
own set of physical, optical, and
structural properties which aid in its
identification.
http://rockhoundingar.com/pebblepups/basics.html
What are the Physical
Properties?
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Specific Gravity
Streak
Hardness
Light Dependent properties
– Color
– Luster
– Diaphany
Moh’s Rock Hardness
Scale
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Talc
Gypsum
Calcite
Fluorite
Apatite
Orthocla
se
Quartz
Topaz
Corundum
Diamond
http://www.childrensmuseum.org/geomysteries/faqs.html
When can you start collecting?
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The best thing about starting a geology collection is
that you get to collect a little bit of everything. After
a while you'll discover what you're most interested
in, and be able to concentrate on a certain area.
For example, you may focus on collecting fossil
shark teeth, or on fossils of the Cretaceous period,
or even on minerals that are the color blue! You can
look for rocks and minerals anywhere, even when
you on family vacations or out at the park. Just
make sure your in an area that it’s ok to take them.