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Introduction to Rocks and Minerals

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Rocks

Rocks, according to New Concise Webster's Dictionary (Modern Publishing), are "large pieces of stone". Stone, according to the same source, is "small pieces of rock". After having read such a thought invoking and insightful bit of literary mastery, I decided to define the term "rocks" myself.

Rocks comprise the solid crust of the Earth. They are considered to be an accumulated mass of one or more minerals. Rocks are categorized by a variety of characteristics, but they are usually first separated into the following three types:

Sedimentary, which are comprised of conglomerated small bits of other broken or weathered rocks (sandstone, shale), precipitated from biological activity (limestone), or chemically precipitated (chert).

Igneous, which are rocks that are formed by crystallization or hardening of the Earth's liquid magma due to cooling. (basalt, granite, syenite)

And Metamorphic, which are igneous or sedimentary rocks that have undergone an obvious change in characteristics, due to heat, pressure, fluid movement or a combination of any of these (phyllite, gneiss, slate).

Rocks types are differentiated by comparison of their chemical compositions and physical characteristics such as color, structure, and texture (grain size).

Rocks have innumerable uses -- certainly too many to list! The following are a few common examples:

Masonry materials (such as brick and concrete)

Crushed stone (for fill and gravel)

Sources of metal ore and rare elements and minerals

Fine art and craft materials (stone carvings, polished stones as gems, pottery)

Soil amendments and erosion control (fertilizers, drainage, retaining walls and barriers)

Tools and primative weaponry

And many, many more.

Rocks provide the ground on which we walk and the sustenance on which all life feeds. They hold the only scientific keys to deciphering the history of our planet. When we stop to contemplate life, the universe, and everything, look no further than beneath your own two feet!

Minerals

Minerals, according to New Concise Webster's Dictionary (Modern Publishing), are a "substance like iron, coal, or oil which is dug out of the ground".

We define minerals as substances of uniform, chemical composition and fixed internal structure that occur naturally. Minerals are typically grouped by similarities in their chemical compositions (Silicates, Sulfates, Phosphates) and subdivided into smaller groups by comparing physical characteristics (crystal structure, especially). Minerals are most commonly identified by their optical properties (color, luster, diaphaniety), crystal form (habit, structure), density, hardness, and properties related to the crystal structure (cleavage). Definative identification of an individual mineral species is dependant upon chemical analysis and x-ray diffraction analysis.

Minerals may be used in any (seemingly infinite) number of ways. A few common uses are as follows:

Ore for metals and rare elements

Gemstones and fine minerals for specimens

Raw materials in any (seemingly infinite) number of industrial and consumer products

And many, many more.

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