Different Rocks and Minerals

Introduction

     There are three main different types of rocks: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Igneous rocks is formed when magma or lava cool and harden. Metamorphic rocks are formed when the original rock undergoes a tremendous amount of heat and pressure. Sedimentary rocks are formed when material is deposited in a certain area and then over time accumulate and form a solution. Each rock type is fascinating and will be discussed later in this blog.
     Each rock is made up of different minerals. A mineral is a substance that occurs naturally and is solid at room temperature. Each mineral has its own unique shape, which is a result of the chemical structure. There will be more minerals discussed later in this blog.

Igneous Rocks

This is a Diorite rock. It is a coarse-grained, intrusive igneous rock that contains a mixture of feldspar, pyroxene, hornblende and sometimes quartz. It is a very pretty rock in the fact that it is sort of shiney and black and white. Diorite is a very rare rock and can only be found in a few places around the world, one of them being in Minnesota.

For more information about igneous rocks click HERE

Metamorphic Rocks

This is a Gneiss rock. It is a foliated metamorphic rock that has this distinct banded appearance. It typically contains mostly quartz or feldspar minerals which give it those distinct stripes. People tend to confuse this with granite. You are able to tell that it is a metamorphic rock because of the clearly defined lines that are formed when the rock was squeezed together. 

For more information about metamorphic rocks click HERE

Sedimentary Rocks

This is a limestone rock. It is composed of mostly the minerals calcium carbonate (CaCO3). A lot of limestone is formed from dead sea organisms' skeletons and other material build up in the water. Other limestone forms as water evaporates and forms stalactites and stalagmites. It is very soluble when in contact with water or other weak acids. Limestone is commonly used in building materials and even in toothpaste.

For more information about sedimentary rocks click HERE

Quartz

This mineral is known as quartz. It is a commonly found mineral in the Earth's crust and nearly every type of rock has some quartz in it. Quartz is made up of a continuous framework of SiO2. Its crystals have a hexagonal shape and colors range from colorless (without imperfections) to black (many imperfections) and nearly every color inbetween. Quartz scores a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale out of 10. Because of its hardness it is used in jewelry.

To learn more about quartz click HERE