Difference Between a Rock and a Mineral — Passage
Rocks and minerals are often confused, but they are fundamentally different. A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. In contrast, a rock is a solid mixture of one or more minerals or mineral-like substances.
For example, granite is a rock composed of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica. Rocks are classified into three main types based on how they form:
- Igneous Rocks: Formed from cooled magma or lava (e.g., basalt, granite).
- Sedimentary Rocks: Formed from compressed sediments (e.g., sandstone, limestone).
Metamorphic Rocks: Formed from existing rocks changed by heat and pressure (e.g., marble, slate).
While minerals have a uniform composition, rocks can vary widely in their mineral content and appearance. Understanding the difference between rocks and minerals is essential for studying Earth’s geology and resources.
Fun fact: The oldest rocks on Earth are over 4 billion years old!
What is a rock?
A single mineralA mixture of one or more mineralsA type of crystalA human-made substanceWhich type of rock is formed from cooled magma?
SedimentaryMetamorphicIgneousFossilizedWhat is an example of a sedimentary rock?
GraniteMarbleSandstoneBasaltHow old are the oldest rocks on Earth?
1 million years100 million years1 billion yearsOver 4 billion yearsWhat is the main difference between a rock and a mineral?
Rocks are organic, minerals are inorganicRocks are mixtures, minerals are pure substancesRocks are human-made, minerals are naturalRocks are soft, minerals are hardWhich rock is formed from heat and pressure?
IgneousSedimentaryMetamorphicFossilizedWhat is an example of a metamorphic rock?
GraniteLimestoneMarbleSandstoneWhat is the fun fact about rocks mentioned in the passage?
Rocks are only found in desertsThe oldest rocks are over 4 billion years oldRocks are not used in constructionRocks have no mineralsCommon core standards covered
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