Show:
Igneous Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks
Metamorphic Rocks
Minerals
General Information
100
What does the word "igneous" mean?
It means "made from fire or heat".
100
What word does the sedimentary come from?
Sedimentary comes from the word sediment or sedere.
100
What does the word "metamorphic" mean?
Metamorphic means "change of form".
100
What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?
Minerals occur naturally in our world and are made of the same substance throughout. Rocks are a combination of two or more minerals.
100
What is a person who collects rocks for a hobby called?
A person who collects rocks for a hobby is called a Rockhound.
200
What is the molten rock called that pushes through the earth's crust and hardens?
The molten rock is called magma.
200
How are sedimentary rocks formed?
Sedimentary rocks are formed when heated or squeezed by the weight of rocks around them.
200
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
Metamorphic rocks are formed by intense heat, pressure or hot fluids that cause igneous or sedimentary rocks to change into a new type of rock.
200
What are crystals?
Crystals are regular shapes solids with flat surfaces.
200
What is a geologist?
A geologist is a scientist who studies rocks and minerals.
300
What are some common types of igneous rocks?
Lava, granite and basalt are common types of this rock.
300
What can you usually see in sedimentary rocks?
You can usually see grains of sand in sedimentary rocks.
300
What is the physical and chemical changes in rocks called?
This change is called "metamorphism".
300
What is the scale to test hardness called?
The hardness scale is called the Mohs scale.
300
What does the word lustre mean?
Lustre describes the shininess of a rock or mineral.
400
What makes some igneous rocks feel light?
Igneous rocks feel light if they contain air bubbles.
400
What are some common types of sedimentary rocks?
Sandstone, limestone and shale are common types of sedimentary rocks.
400
What are some types of metamorphic rocks?
Marble, quartzite and slate are the most common types of this rock.
400
What mineral is at the top of the Mohs scale?
Diamond is at the top of the mohs scale.
400
What are scientists who study fossils called?
Scientists who study fossils are called paleontologists.
500
What is magma called when it reaches the earth's surface?
When it reaches the earth's surface, magma is lava (when a volcanoe erupts).
500
What can you find in sedimentary rocks?
You can find fossils in sedimentary rocks.
500
What does limestone become under pressure?
Limestone becomes marble under pressure.
500
What are some other common types of minerals?
Some common types of minerals are crystals, quartz and calcite.
500
Name some things we use rocks and minerals for in our lives today.
(Answers can vary) Some ideas: We can use rocks and minerals for building (ie. pyramids, castles, mosaic floors). We can use rocks and minerals for beauty (ie. jewellery). We can use rocks and minerals for decoration (ie. gold). We can use rocks and minerals for tools or useful items in our home (ie. chalk, pencils, pottery).