Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils

Rocks are our world. The planet Earth is, essentially, just one big interesting rock, sometimes called "the third rock from the sun." The multi-faceted rock we live on supports life in many ways. The deep oceans, the vast deserts, and the high mountains, are just a few of the ways rock emerges and supports life.

Rocks remember. Geology is the science and study of the earth and its life, especially as recorded in rocks. Rocks, then, keep record of the passage of time and the evolution of living things.

The word rock refers to solid mineral deposits. Rocks are minerals, but not all minerals are rocks. Minerals are all substances that can't be classified as "animal" or "vegetable." Metals ores found in the earth, like gold and silver, are minerals. Crystalline substances, like salt and quartz, are minerals. Homogeneous natural substances, like water and gas, are also minerals. These non-solid minerals, however, are not considered "rock."

The Rock Cycle

Information about all kinds of dinosaurs