Rocks and Minerals for Kids

Rocks are present all around us and wherever you go, you can find them in every nook and cranny. Rocks have been around since the formation of the Earth. They can be small or big, smooth or rough and may have different weird shapes. Minerals, on the other hand, are homogeneous solid substances formed by geological processes. They have a specific chemical composition, which is not so in rocks. In fact, rocks are composed of minerals along with other substances.

Identifying rocks and minerals are an interesting geology project for all children. You can find lots of interactive rocks and minerals for kids, which are easy to identify and interpret. Behind the earthy colored texture of rocks or the sparkling precious and semi-precious stones, there are several natural phenomena that together bring about their formation. Let's take a look at the types and interesting facts of rocks and minerals for kids.

Types of Rocks and Minerals for Kids

Add some fun to your kid's routine apart from the hectic study schedule by incorporating rock and mineral activities. As they are always active in adventures, you can even organize a trip to your nearby hill station, valley or river bed to collect rock and mineral samples. Listed below are types of rocks and minerals for kids:

Types of Rocks: There are three types of rocks, which are classified based on their formation. They are identified by comparing various characteristics, including color, hardness, texture, chemical composition and fossil content. The three rock types are:

• Igneous Rocks - Igneous rocks are formed immediately after cooling down of magma. If the magma cools down underneath the Earth's surface, intrusive igneous rocks are formed (e.g. granite); whereas extrusive igneous rocks are formed after cooling of the volcanic lava or molten rock (e.g. basalt).
• Sedimentary Rocks - Sedimentary rocks are formed after deposition and compaction of eroded matter and transported sediments (e.g. sandstone, mudstone, limestone). Formation of these rocks takes place on or below the Earth's surface.
• Metamorphic Rocks - A metamorphic rock is formed from igneous, sedimentary or another metamorphic rook, after subjecting it to a very high temperature and pressure (e.g marble).

Types of Minerals: As of date, more than 2000 types of minerals have been identified. And with each passing day, new minerals are being discovered by geologists. Hence, it is impossible to remember all the types of minerals. Based on the presence or absence of silica, minerals are categorized into two types:

• Silicate Minerals - The primary components for silicate minerals are silica and oxygen. They are formed after cooling down molten rocks, either on the Earth's surface or below the surface. Some common examples of silicate minerals are quartz, mica and feldspar.
• Non-Silicate Minerals - As the name signifies, silica and oxygen are absent in non-silicate type of minerals. They may be formed after cooling down magma or after modification of magma. Examples of non-silicate minerals are oxides, sulfides and carbonates.

Fun Facts about Rocks and Minerals

Some of the most fascinating facts about rocks and minerals for kids are:

• Igneous rocks are the oldest among all other rocks.
• Rocks are changing continuously by different forces of nature (wind, water, glacier, etc.)
• Minerals and rocks are broken down into smaller pieces by the process of weathering.
• Rocks formed at the beginning of the Earth's formation are modified and changed into a different form.
• Scientists use meteorites and rocks collected from space to study more about the solar system.
• Some of the rock samples collected from the moon were found to be similar with those found on the Earth.
• Basalt formed after cooling down volcanic lava is the most commonly occurring rock.
• The mineral diamond is the hardest known substance on Earth.
• The most commonly occurring mineral is quartz (a silicate type), which is again classified into different types (smoky quartz, rosy quartz, etc.)

You can purchase samples of rocks and minerals for kids from geological exhibitions and museums. Allow them to create crafts and decorative items out of the rocks. And I am sure your kid will enjoy collecting and learning more about rocks and minerals in the years to come!