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Earth is made up of rocks, and it’s fascinating to study geology
to learn more about Earth’s composition. Rocks come in all shapes
and sizes, and they fall under three main categories, which are
igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The way rocks are formed will
determine their category. Anyone can learn about rocks, and rock
collecting is a fun hobby that’s directly connected to the study of
rocks.
Rock creation is a product of the rock cycle, which is a cycle
that involves the breaking down and formation of rocks. The rock
cycle can happen deep below Earth’s surface or on the surface,
depending on the type of rock. The three types of rocks form
differently in the rock cycle. Igneous rocks melt and cool,
sedimentary rocks are deposited from water or air and compacted
together, and metamorphic rocks form by heat or pressure to create a
new and different rock. Rocks are always changing and redistributing
as a part of the never-ending rock cycle.
All rocks are a solid mixture of grains of one or more minerals.
Minerals are naturally occurring elements or compounds that have
internal crystalline structures. Magma, found deep in Earth’s
mantle, is the foundation and source of all rocks and directly makes
igneous rocks. Igneous rocks form by crystallization when hot magma
cools. Sedimentary rocks form when bits of rock that have been
weathered or eroded away are compacted together to create a new rock.
Metamorphic rocks form from a combination of heat and pressure, which
changes the original rock into a new type of rock. The original
metamorphic rock might have been sedimentary, igneous, or a different
type of metamorphic rock. Rock classification depends on the texture
and composition of rocks. Texture pertains to the size and shape of
the mineral grains. Composition involves the types of minerals and
the proportions of present minerals, which is called mineralogy. Rock Experts
All rocks are a solid mixture of grains of one or more minerals.
Minerals are naturally occurring elements or compounds that have
internal crystalline structures. Magma, found deep in Earth’s
mantle, is the foundation and source of all rocks and directly makes
igneous rocks. Igneous rocks form by crystallization when hot magma
cools. Sedimentary rocks form when bits of rock that have been
weathered or eroded away are compacted together to create a new rock.
Metamorphic rocks form from a combination of heat and pressure, which
changes the original rock into a new type of rock. The original
metamorphic rock might have been sedimentary, igneous, or a different
type of metamorphic rock. Rock classification depends on the texture
and composition of rocks. Texture pertains to the size and shape of
the mineral grains. Composition involves the types of minerals and
the proportions of present minerals, which is called mineralogy.
Quizzes, games, puzzles, and lesson plans are great tools to help
you learn about rocks, either at home or in the classroom. You can
tackle these activities in your spare time and progress at your own
pace. Lesson plans can be applicable to a single child or adult
learner or small or large groups. Look for activities that don’t
require a lot of materials. Many games, puzzles, and lesson plans are
simple enough to do with what you already have around the house.
Starting a rock collection is a great way to learn more about
rocks and geology. You will need some basic tools to help you begin
gathering rocks, but the tools aren’t excessively expensive. Buy a
short-handled shovel, a rock hammer, a mallet and chisel, a bucket,
work gloves, and safety glasses before you begin hunting for and
gathering rocks. You’ll need to decide whether you want a general
rock collection or a collection that focuses on a specific type of
rock. Many rock collectors like to collect rocks that are local to
their geographic region, and others like to find unusual rocks from
other places. Quarries and ditches are good places to find rocks, but
use caution when hunting for rocks in these areas. Stream beds are
another good place to find unusual rocks. Before you hunt for rocks
in a location, make sure you have permission to be there looking for
rocks.
Safety needs to be your first priority when you are collecting
rocks. Just as you would always hike with a buddy and tell someone
where you are going and when you’ll be back, you should do the same
when you go out hunting for rocks. Bring along sufficient water,
food, and first-aid supplies. Always bring the tools you’ll need,
and wear eye protection when you’re actively digging for rocks. If
you’re hunting for rocks in quarries or mines, never go underground
to look for rocks. Finding a good place to hunt for rocks involves
research. Join clubs and find out where other people in your area
hunt for rocks. Never hunt for rocks on private land without
permission. If you’re hunting on public land, check with the
government agency that controls the land for rules about rock
hunting.
All About Rocks and Rock Collecting Website | ||
