Reading 4: Rocks and Minerals

Summary:

Minerals
o A naturally occurring, inorganic crystalline material with a chemical combination
o Different combos give us different minerals
o Different minerals have varying colors, hardness, shape, density, and cleavage
Rocks
o An aggregate of mineral grains
o Igneous rocks
Result from the solidification or crystallization of molten rock
May form at Earths surface
Or perhaps below Earths surface
Differ in their mineral composition and mineral grain size
o Sedimentary rocks
Form from rock fragments, minerals, or fossils that are compressed
beneath the weight of overlying sediments
Form at low temperatures at or very close to Earths surface
Common rocks:
Sandstone, limestone, and shale
o Metamorphic rocks
The original mineral composition, grain size, or grain shape has changed
as a result of exposure to moderately high temperatures, high pressure, or
both
Form below Earths surface
o Butterflies?
Over time, rocks may change from one type to another
o Identifying a rock?
Have to know what minerals are in it first

What I Learned

I think at some point in the past I had known the difference between igneous,
sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, but it was definitely beneficial to re-learn the
meanings of them and what theyre made of/how theyre formed
It was also neat to see that rocks can change over time into different kinds of rocks
o I dont think I knew that, so that was a cool fun fact

Opinions?

There was the usual millions of years thrown around quite a bit, but its almost as if I
dont even notice that anymore because its so common place