Rocks and Minerals Worksheets

What is the Difference Between Rocks and Minerals?

Minerals: They are naturally occurring inorganic solid substances. The minerals have a regularly repeating arrangement of molecules and atoms. The study of minerals is called mineralogy, and individuals who study them are called mineralogists. Rocks: Rocks are made of at least two or more minerals. The rocks that contain valuable minerals are known as ore. Minerals from ore are used to manufacture products that we use regularly. Those include things like stainless steel materials, houses, batteries, electronics, fertilizers, and automobiles.

The Rock Cycle

Complete the rock cycle below.



The Deadly Shakes

Scientists use a magnitude scale to express the energy released by an earthquake. Here are the typical effects of various earthquake magnitudes: 3.5 or less are generally not felt. 3.6-5.4 are felt, but rarely cause damage. 5.5-6.0 causes slight damage to well designed buildings. Can cause major damage to poor construction.



Three Types of Rocks

Rocks are classified according to how they are formed. Igneous rocks are formed when hot molten rock cools and hardens. Sedimentary rocks are formed when very small pieces of rock settle and harden. Metamorphic rocks are formed by applying heat and pressure to igneous and sedimentary rock.



The Great Shakes

Below you will find a chart of the largest earthquakes recorded each year. Rank the earthquakes by magnitude.



Rock Formations

What does each picture tell us about how rock is formed?


Igneous Rocks

Igneous rocks are formed when hot molten rock cools and hardens. Types of Igneous Rocks : A. Basalt - hard to scratch; feels rough; many minerals can be seen; dark in color. B. Granite - hard to scratch; feels rough; many minerals can be seen; light gray, pink, or white in color. C. Obsidian - very smooth; often has white or red streaks of color; looks like black glass.D. Shale - often floats in water; full of tiny bubbles; light tan or white in color.



Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks are rocks that have been changed from one form to another. Types of Metamorphic Rocks : A. Gneiss – hard to scratch; has distinct ribbon-like layers; usually black in color with brown, red, or white highlights. B. Schist – easy to scratch; soft; has distinct leaf-like layers. C. Slate – easy to scratch; splits into thin flat plates; black, gray, green, or red in color. D. Marble – easy to scratch; powder bubbles with vinegar; is made of calcite



Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed when very small pieces of rock settle and harden. Types of Sedimentary Rocks A. Conglomerate – hard to scratch; full of pebbles and sand; tan, red, or white in color. B. Limestone – easy to scratch; powder bubbles with vinegar; can be rough or smooth; black, gray, or white in color. C. Sandstone – hard to scratch; can scratch off sand; very rough; often has different layers of color; brown, gray, or red in color. D. Shale – easy to scratch; feels smooth; smells like mud when wet; splits into flat layers; color may be black, brown, gray, or red.



Rock Identification Activity

Choose 3 rocks from the rock collection. Make sure each rock looks completely different.