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Rocks and Minerals © 2006
Geology Products
A rock is defined as "a large mass of stone, or stony material" according to Funk and Wagnalls
dictionary. Rock is the primary component of the earth. A mineral is a naturally occuring inorganic
substance which has a definite set of physical properties, a definite range of chemical characteristics
and a molecular structure which is expressed in a crystalline form.Rocks are either sedimentary or
igneous and minerals occur within these rocks.
The earth is a sphere, approximately 22,000 miles in diameter, 7927 miles in diameter and weighing
about 6.6 sextillion tons. The earth is mostly composed of rock, a very dense core with various
levels of lighter molten rock encompassing it. Finally the lighter continents ride on these
levels of rock, drifting about in a process which takes millions of years.
Rocks are important economically, in addition to forming earths structure. Buildings, roads, stadiums
and many other structures are made of various kinds of rocks. Minerals like gold, copper,iron, silver,
uranium and coal provide the basis for manufacturing products and power for our society.
Learning to identify rocks and minerals, studying their properties and uses can be an interesting
hobby, or can be the basis of a career in minerology. Rocks and minerals have been important to
our civilization since the dawn of time and will continue to be as long as we build things,
wear jewlery and need energy.
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