Rocks and Minerals

Rocks are solid aggregates of one or more minerals, forming the Earth's crust, while minerals are natural, inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. Minerals like quartz, feldspar, and calcite are the building blocks of rocks. There are three main types of rocks: igneous (formed from cooled magma or lava), sedimentary (created by the accumulation of mineral and organic particles), and metamorphic (formed when existing rocks are transformed by heat and pressure). Understanding rocks and minerals helps us learn about Earth's history, geologic processes, and even where to find resources.