Minerals and Rocks

In The Beginning…• The elements and their distribution are the result of our

planets formation.• Stars can manufacture

elements up through iron using fusion.

• Heavier elements come from stellar explosions. • Our periodic table is

evidence that we came from a star that experienced a nova.

Gravitational Differentiation• When the early Earth was molten, gravity pulled the

heavier elements toward the center and lighter elements remained at the surface.

Structure of the Earth• The Earth has multiple layers, each of which are made

out of different materials. • These chemical layers are:

Solid IronLiquid Iron and NickelIron Silicates

Lighter Silicates

Rocks and Minerals• A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a

specific crystalline structure and a definite chemical composition. • A mineral can be a single

element or a compound.

• A rock is a naturally occurring combination of minerals and mineraloids.

• Mineraloid are the substances that are mistaken as minerals, but don’t fit the definition.

Opal

Amber

Geology Rocks!• There are three rock types that are based on how the rock

formed. • Igneous - formed from the cooling of magma or lava. • Sedimentary - formed from the cementing of mineral and

rock fragments. • Metamorphic - formed when rocks experience extreme heat

and/or pressure.

Igneous Rocks• Magma is a slushy mix of molten rock, gases, and

mineral crystals. • The type of magma determines the type of igneous rock.

Basaltic Granitic

Fe, Mg, and Ca

Oceanic Crust

Feldspar, Quartz, Mica

Continental Crust

Sedimentary Rocks• Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediments which

are rock fragments and organic material.

Weathering Erosion Deposition Burial Lithification

Sand Shells CoquinaSandstone

Creates the Sediments

Moves the Sediments

Places the Sediments

Increase the weight and

temperature of the sediments

Solidifies the sediments

Feeling The Heat and Pressure• Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks that have

experienced heat and pressure but do not melt. • Alters the texture, mineralogy, or chemical composition. • All types of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) can

be turned into a new metamorphic rock.

Where From?• Burial leads to an increase in temperature

and pressure of the lower rock layers.

• Igneous Intrusions • As magma rises to the surface, it cuts

through preexisting layers heating the surrounding rock and forming plutons.

ABCD

• Tectonic forces • Mountains are formed when two tectonic plates slam into each

other.

Himalayas!

Putting It All Together

• The three rock types are all connected by the rock cycle.

Let’s Draw It!