Rocks and Minerals
⭐ MasteredThere are three types of rock: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Rocks are made of minerals.
Diamonds are made of carbon and are the hardest natural mineral.
All about Rocks and Minerals
A mineral is a natural solid with a definite chemical make-up and a crystal structure. Quartz, feldspar and calcite are common minerals. Rocks are made of one or more minerals mixed together.
Geologists sort rocks into three types. Igneous rock forms when magma or lava cools. Sedimentary rock forms when layers of sediment are pressed together. Metamorphic rock forms when heat and pressure change an existing rock.
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Real-life uses of Rocks and Minerals
- Using granite as a strong material for kitchen worktops
- Making glass from sand, which contains quartz
- Mining minerals like iron and copper for tools and wires
Frequently asked questions about Rocks and Minerals
What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?
A mineral is a single natural substance with a set chemical make-up. A rock is a solid mixture of one or more minerals.
Which rock is the hardest?
Diamond is the hardest natural mineral on the Mohs scale, and it is made of carbon.
What is the rock cycle?
The continuous process in which rocks change from one type to another through heat, pressure, erosion and melting.