Rocks and Minerals
Explore the properties of rocks and minerals, how rocks are classified, and how they are used by people.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Rocks are naturally occurring solid materials made of one or more minerals.
The three types of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Minerals are naturally occurring substances with a definite chemical composition (e.g. quartz, feldspar, mica).
Properties used to identify minerals include colour, hardness, lustre, and streak.
Key Vocabulary
igneous rock
Rock formed when molten magma or lava cools and solidifies.
sedimentary rock
Rock formed from layers of compressed sediment such as sand, silt, or shells.
metamorphic rock
Rock that has been changed by heat or pressure deep underground.
mineral
A naturally occurring, non-living solid substance with a fixed chemical composition.
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which type of rock is formed when lava from a volcano cools?
Question 2
Fossils are most commonly found in which type of rock?
Question 3
Which property describes how shiny or dull a mineral looks?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Rocks are naturally occurring solid materials made of one or more minerals.
- ●The three types of rock are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
- ●Minerals are naturally occurring substances with a definite chemical composition (e.g. quartz, feldspar, mica).
- ●Properties used to identify minerals include colour, hardness, lustre, and streak.