MINERALS AND
ROCKS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Define and describe what Identify and classify Differentiate the three main
minerals are, including common rock-forming categories of rocks
their key characteristics minerals based on their (igneous, sedimentary,
such as chemical physical and chemical and metamorphic) by
composition and properties, such as color, describing their formation
crystalline structure, and streak, luster, hardness, processes and providing
explain their role as the cleavage, density, and examples of each type.
building blocks of rocks. reaction to acid.
Rocks can be classified into three main types
based on how they are formed:
Igneous Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
What are Minerals?
Minerals are naturally occurring, solid
substances formed through geological
processes over long periods. They have a
definite chemical composition and a
unique internal crystalline structure that
determines their physical properties.
Minerals are the basic building blocks of
rocks, and different combinations of
minerals give rocks their unique
characteristics.
Crystalline means that a mineral’s atoms
are arranged in a regular, repeating
pattern. This gives the mineral a definite
shape and specific physical properties.
Most minerals have a crystalline structure.
Physical Properties are characteristics of a mineral that can be
observed or measured without changing its chemical
composition, such as color, streak, luster, hardness, cleavage,
and density.
Chemical Properties describe how a mineral reacts with other
substances, especially its behavior during chemical reactions,
like how calcite fizzes when exposed to acid.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Minerals
Color: The visible hue of a mineral,
although it may vary due to impurities.
Streak: The color of the mineral in its
powdered form, tested by rubbing it on a
porcelain plate.
Luster: Describes how a mineral reflects
light—metallic, glassy, pearly, or dull.
Hardness: Measured using the Mohs
Scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (talc)
to 10 (diamond).
Physical and Chemical Properties of Minerals
Cleavage and Fracture: Cleavage refers
to the mineral’s ability to break along flat
planes; fracture refers to irregular or
uneven breaks.
Density/Specific Gravity: Describes how
heavy the mineral feels for its size.
Reaction to Acid: Some minerals like
calcite react (fizz) when exposed to dilute
hydrochloric acid, indicating the
presence of calcium carbonate.
COMMON ROCK-FORMING MINERALS
Quartz – This is a hard, glassy mineral
composed of silicon and oxygen (SiO₂). It
does not have cleavage, is resistant to
weathering, and is found in many types of
rocks.
Feldspar – This group of minerals makes
up most of Earth’s crust. They often appear
white or pink and have two directions of
cleavage. They are a key component in
igneous rocks like granite.
COMMON ROCK-FORMING MINERALS
Mica – Known for its shiny, sheet-like
appearance, mica peels easily into thin,
flexible layers. It is commonly found in
both igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Calcite – Composed of calcium carbonate
(CaCO₃), calcite is relatively soft and
reacts with acid. It is commonly found in
sedimentary rocks like limestone.
COMMON ROCK-FORMING MINERALS
Olivine – A green
mineral often found in
dark-colored igneous
rocks such as basalt. It
has a high melting
point and forms deep
within the Earth’s
mantle.
THE THREE MAIN
CATEGORIES OF
ROCKS
WATCH THIS: ANALYSE!
HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/CEUYX-ABZDO?
SI=V5N3SUYIT7MBGRGH
IGNEOUS ROCKS
Picture a volcano spewing fiery lava - the
birthplace of igneous rocks! These rocks are
created when magma or lava, which is hot
molten rock, cools and hardens. Igneous rocks
exist deep within the Earth or on its surface,
displaying a variety of colors, textures, and
sizes determined by the speed of their cooling
process.
IGNEOUS ROCKS
Igneous rocks are formed from the
cooling and solidification of
magma or lava.
They can be further categorized
into intrusive (formed beneath the
Earth's surface) and extrusive
(formed on the Earth's surface).
IGNEOUS ROCKS
Granite – An intrusive igneous rock with
visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and
mica.
Granite
Basalt – A dark, fine-grained extrusive Basalt
igneous rock commonly found in oceanic
crust.
Obsidian – A naturally occurring volcanic
glass formed from rapid cooling of lava.
Obsidian
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Sedimentary rocks act as nature's storytellers,
unveiling insights into Earth's past. These rocks
develop from the gathering and compression
of sediment layers consisting of small particles
such as sand, mud, and even remnants of
flora and fauna. With time, these layers
solidify, transforming into sedimentary rocks.
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Metamorphic rocks are formed from the
alteration of pre-existing rocks due to heat,
pressure, and chemical processes.
They often have a layered or banded Mable Slate
appearance.
Examples of metamorphic rocks include
marble, slate, and schist.
Obsidian
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Marble – Formed from the metamorphism
of limestone; known for its smooth texture
and used in sculptures.
Schist – A foliated metamorphic rock with Mable Slate
visible mineral grains, often shiny due to
the presence of mica.
Slate – A fine-grained metamorphic rock
formed from shale, used in roofing and Obsidian
flooring.
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
Sedimentary rocks are formed from
the accumulation and compaction
of sediments, which may be
fragments of other rocks, mineral
grains, or remains of living
organisms. These rocks often form
in layers and may contain fossils.
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
Sedimentary rocks are formed from
the accumulation and compaction of
sediments over time.
They often contain fossils and
Limestone Shale
provide clues about past
environments.
Examples of sedimentary rocks
include limestone, sandstone, and
Sandstone
shale.
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
Examples:
Sandstone – Formed from compacted
sand grains, often found in deserts or
beaches.
Limestone Shale
Limestone – Composed mainly of calcite
from shells and marine organisms.
Shale – A fine-grained rock formed from
compacted clay and mud.
Sandstone
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
Examples:
Sandstone – Formed from compacted
sand grains, often found in deserts or
beaches.
Limestone Shale
Limestone – Composed mainly of calcite
from shells and marine organisms.
Shale – A fine-grained rock formed from
compacted clay and mud.
Sandstone
Summary
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and can be identified through
their physical and chemical properties.
Rocks are classified into three main types based on their origin: igneous,
sedimentary, and metamorphic.
Understanding the properties of minerals helps us identify and classify the
rocks they form.
ACTVITY
Dive deeper into the world of rocks!
Identify the three rock types.
Give an example for each type of rock.
Illustrate the appearance of each rock by drawing a picture and adding
labels.
