How Are Rocks and Minerals Different: Get the Facts

How Are Rocks and Minerals Different: Get the Facts
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Distinct Differences

How are rocks and minerals different? First, a rock is composed of one or more minerals and sometimes mineraloids but do not have a crystal structure. A mineral is a chemical substance made up of one or more chemicals having a definite crystal structure. Rocks do not have a definite chemical composition whereas minerals do. Sometimes a rock may contain organic remains in it. A mineral, on the other hand, will never have any organic material present within it. Rocks do not have a definite shape whereas minerals will usually have one. Rocks are classified as igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Minerals are classified as native elements, halides, sulfides, oxides, etc. Another difference between the two is that rocks can be found abundantly on the surface of the Earth in many different regions, but minerals are not as commonly found just anywhere, making it sometimes useful for people to extract minerals from rocks. Finally, rocks are often found containing fossils of plants and animals within them whereas minerals do not contain any such remains.

Common Characteristics

Although there may be many differences between rocks and minerals, there are only a few similarities between them. Rocks as well as minerals are found in the Earth’s crust (the outer layer of the Earth). Another similarity between the two is that rocks as well as minerals both have commercial value. Rocks are important for the minerals they contain while minerals are used widely in all areas of the manufacturing industry. Finally, both rocks and minerals serve as raw materials in the industrial process for manufacturing products used for everyday purposes.

Rockin Facts

There are many interesting and fun facts about rocks and minerals. Here are some of them:

  • The oldest rocks on Earth are the Igneous rocks which are formed due to volcanic activity within the Earth.
  • Weathering results in the erosion of many rocks and minerals on Earth.
  • Amongst minerals, the most commonly occurring one is quartz. Quartz is further classified into various types such as smoky quartz, rosy quartz, etc.
  • Pumice is one rock that is igneous and is formed when lava solidifies. It is also the only rock known to float.
  • Gemstones are quite popular for the fashion appeal they have. They are considered to be minerals and not rocks.
  • The most popular gemstone is Ruby.
  • During the Earth’s formation process, the very first type of rock that was formed was an igneous rock followed by sedimentary rocks and then metamorphic rocks.
  • Sedimentary rocks are often found containing the fossil remains of plants and animals.
  • All rocks go through the rock cycle where they are constantly eroded and transformed from one rock type to another.
  • Beryl is a mineral that in its pure form is colorless.
  • Green Beryls are more commonly known as Emeralds.
  • The word Emerald has its roots in the Semitic language and the ancient Indian Sanskrit language. It is derived from the Semitic word izmargad or the Sanskrit word markata.
  • A diamond is a mineral that is known to be the hardest substance known to man.
  • Feldspars make up over 50% of the Earth’s crust.
  • The properties used to identify minerals include luster, hardness, color, streak, cleavage, crystal shape and magnetism.
  • Marble is formed from carbonate rock, mostly from limestone.
  • The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, built nearly 400 years ago and known to be one of the seven wonders of the world was made completely out of marble.
  • The rock Lapis Lazuli is a treasured gemstone today which in the ancient times was used by the Egyptians as eye shadow.
  • Ancient Mesopotomians used the gemstone turquoise to make beads. This occured nearly five thousand years ago, long before the birth of Christ.
  • Rocks that appear to have a reddish hue on the side of the roads are believed to be rusted. These rocks may be billions of years old.

Numerous Uses

There are several uses of rocks and minerals in the world today. Aluminum is used for making cans, containers and for appliances used in the home. Chromite is used for making chromed parts of automobiles. Ores of copper are used in making coins, jewelery, cooking utensils and wiring equipment used for electrical devices, televisions, computers, automobiles, etc. Halite, more commonly known as salt, is used in cooking and food preservation. It is also used as a water softener and for de-icing on highways. Limestone is used as a component of cement which is used in the construction of homes, sidewalks, bridges and buildings. Fluorite find its uses in the production of hydrofluoric acid, but its main use is in toothpastes to help protect your teeth. Lead is used in making batteries and as a protective shield in the doctor’s office from X-rays.

Rocks and minerals are fascinating topics of study for both scientists and students. While their own characteristics define them, they are sort of like distant cousins - having some similarities but keeping within their own immediate families.

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