Rocks -
extensive mineral bodies composed
of one or more minerals in varying proportions
which form part of the earth's crust.
Minerals -
a naturally occurring inorganic
compound ("non-living
material") having fairly definite
physical properties and
chemical composition.
Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks are pieces of other rocks!
They are made of little, tiny pieces of igneous or metamorphic rocks that
have been worn away, pressed into layers (usually beneath the sea) and
then held together by different kinds of natural cement. This process can
take millions of years!
EXAMPLE: Limestone, Sandstone |
These rocks are formed when melted rock
within the earth (magma) cools and then hardens.
EXAMPLE: Granite, Pumice, Obsidian |
Metamorphic Rocks
These rocks are changed by heat, pressure,
or fluids, or any combination of these. They can contain other types of
rocks and minerals.
EXAMPLE: Marble, Slate |
Minerals
Rocks are usually made up of a combination of minerals. Minerals are made of elements, which are simply substances which cannot be broken down into other substances. Some minerals are made up of only one element, such as silver or diamond, but most minerals on earth are a combination of two or more elements. |
Student Resources
Feel free to Look!
Geologylink | Smithsonian Gem & Stone |
Bill Nye Science | EarthNet |
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