Minerals and Rocks for Kids

Geology defines minerals as naturally occurring substances having a highly ordered atomic structure and specific physical properties added with a characteristic chemical composition. Rocks are those substances in the Earth's crust that are made up of two or more minerals. In geology, rocks are classified into three types. They are igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. Minerals are a result of geological processes, which form these naturally occurring solids. Study of minerals is termed as mineralogy and study of rocks is known as petrology. Collecting minerals and rocks for kids provide great means of fun and interest for the little ones. It also helps the children to be aware of many strange and interesting facts about nature.

Types of Rocks and their Formation

As mentioned earlier, there are three types of rocks - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Igneous Rocks
Also known as fire rocks, igneous rocks are formed by cooling and solidification of lava that has been erupted at the Earth's surface by a volcanic activity. These rocks are also formed by magma (unerupted lava) that is trapped in small pocket-like structures. The cooling of these pockets give rise to the formation of igneous rocks. Igneous rocks that are formed by solidification of lava are known as extrusive and those formed by magma at shallow depths of the Earth are called intrusive. Plutonic is the name given to those igneous rocks that are formed by magma that lies deep within the Earth. Five kinds of igneous rocks are found in nature. They are granite, diorite, pegmatite, periodotite and gabbro.

Sedimentary Rocks
Water bodies like seas and lakes have deposits of loose particles in their beds. These particles are known as sediments and they can be in the form of mud, sand or pebbles. These sediments get compacted over many years and turn into what are known as sedimentary rocks. Sandstone and shale are some common examples of such rocks. The process of crystallization of dissolved minerals also give rise to the formation of sedimentary rocks. These rocks have three major classifications of clastic, chemical and organic sedimentary rocks. Conglomerate, breccia, sandstone, siltstone and shale are examples of clastic sedimentary rocks. Chemical sedimentary rocks include halite, gypsum, etc. and coal is an organic sedimentary rock.

Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks are formed from 'morphed' igneous and sedimentary rocks. Extreme pressure and heat are responsible for the formation of these rocks. Some types of metamorphic rocks are slate, phyllite, schist, gneiss, marble, quartzite, hornfels, migmatite, mylonite, metaconglomerate and amphibolite. Rocks such as slate, phyllite, schist and gneiss are formed from sedimentary rocks called shales. The famous marble stone is a result of metamorphism of limestone and amphibolite formed out of mafic volcanic rocks.

Minerals
Nearly 4000 types of minerals are known to man today. Some minerals have pleasing appearance, some have strange shapes, while some have exquisite spectrum of colors and popular trading value. More than one element or compound form the minerals. Gold, silver, mercury, copper, etc. are termed as native elements as they are composed of only one element. Formation of minerals can take place any where on the Earth from the depths of volcanoes, deep bottom of oceans, deserts or salt lakes to the cooling deep deposits of molten rocks. Minerals are divided into several classes. They are silicate class, carbonate class, sulfate class, halide class, oxide class, sulfide class, phosphate class, element class and organic class.

Collecting Minerals and Rocks for Kids
Field trips can be organized for collecting minerals and rocks for kids. Use of field guides help in locating excavation areas and types of specimens found in that particular place. Water bodies, seashore, woods and the likes are common places where you can find minerals and rocks for kids. Different geographical areas have different types of rocks and minerals. Museum stores are a good place to find all kinds of minerals and rocks for kids. Brightly colored rocks and minerals never fail to amuse the liitle minds. Such rocks are not only eye-catching for kids but are objects of great interest as well.

Preserving the Collection
Preserve the collection of minerals and rocks in acid-free containers and glass-made display cases. To keep the collection free from dust and dirt, use alcohol-based products and cotton swabs for cleaning purposes. Educate your kids about various kinds of rocks, minerals and fossils. Books are the best buy for a detailed study on minerals and rocks information. Do a little bit more by labeling and organizing the specimens and maintaining a log book for the entire collection.

Such information as discussed above, can be helpful for school projects on minerals and rocks for kids. Collecting such substances provide a practical exposure to kids, helping them to understand the substances' varied structure, shapes and physical and chemical composition. Knowing about minerals and rocks and their properties is like being aware of an important part of mother Nature and its beauty!