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Any good rockhound is bound to come across a rock that he or she has trouble identifying, especially if the location of where the rock was found is unknown. To identify a rock, think like a geologist and examine its physical characteristics for clues. The following tips and tables contain characteristics that will help you identify the most common rocks on earth.

Rock Identification Tips

First, decide whether your rock is igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic.

such as granite or lava are tough, frozen melts with little texture or layering. Rocks like these contain mostly black, white and/or gray minerals.

such as limestone or shale are hardened sediment with sandy or clay-like layers (strata). They are usually brown to gray in color and may have fossils and water or wind marks.

such as marble are tough, with straight or curved layers (foliation) of light and dark minerals. They come in various colors and often contain glittery mica.

Next, check the rock's grain size and hardness.

Grain Size: Coarse grains are visible to the naked eye, and the minerals can usually be identified without using a magnifier. Fine grains are smaller and usually cannot be identified without using a magnifier.

Hardness: This is measured with the Mohs scale and refers to the minerals contained within a rock. In simple terms, hard rock scratches glass and steel, usually signifying the minerals quartz or feldspar, which has a Mohs hardness of 6 or higher. Soft rock does not scratch steel but will scratch fingernails (Mohs scale of 3 to 5.5), while very soft rock won't even scratch fingernails (Mohs scale of 1 to 2).

Rock Identification Chart

Once you've determined what type of rock you've got, look closely at its color and composition. This will help you identify it. Start in the left column of the appropriate table and work your way across. Follow the links to pictures and more information.

Igneous Rock Identification

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Easy Ways to Identify Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic Rocks

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Here's how to identify 44 of the most common igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock types with a handy rock identification chart.

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How to identify the different types of rocks

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The Water Cycle | The Dr. Binocs Show | Learn Videos For Kids

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Fossils and dinosaurs

Hello! My name is Andreas and I want to tell you all about fossils and dinosaurs. The study of fossils is called palaeontology.

Fossils are fantastic evidence of past life on our planet; they are found mainly in sedimentary rocks . But how did they get there? Well, getting turned into a fossil is not an easy task and needs a rare combination of events to take place:

An ammonite bobs around happily in the sea. . .

. . .but then dies and falls to the sea floor. . .

. . .the soft parts decay leaving the shell to be buried in sediment. . .

. . .then is changed by heated water and pressure over millions of years. . .

. . . into the fossil that you find on the beach!

There are lots of different types of fossils including bones, shells, footprints and burrows. Most fossils we find today are creatures that lived their lives in the sea. This is because they were most likely to be buried before all trace of them disappeared!

Learn about some sea creatures that we regularly find fossilised:

Jurassic age rocks are shown in brown on this map of Afghanistan. These rocks might contain the fossils of dinosaurs!

Static map.

Creatures living on land can also be fossilised, it just happens less often. Dinosaurs are a great example of this; they lived 230 to 65 million years ago and have been found fossilised all over the world.

The largest dinosaur fossil found so far is a Brachiosaurus, 22.5 metres long and 12 metres tall, from Tanzania.

The longest dinosaur fossil ever found is a Diplodocus, a whopping 27 metres long, from Wyoming, USA.

The smallest dinosaur fossil is about the same size of a chicken, it had wings and feathers, is 55 – 77cm long and found in China. This is a Microraptor.

Fossils are very helpful when making geological maps as they can tell us how old a rock is. Scientists have worked out that creatures looked different at different times – they evolved so that they could survive better. So if we find the same fossil in two different rocks we know they are the same age!

More information

Fossils, especially the stunning ones found in museums, are beautiful and delicate reminders of the age of the earth and of the diversity of life.

Most of the fossils that we might find on beaches or in quarries are often imperfect and have been damaged by their time in the rocks; but these common fossils contain vital information, for they are our direct evidence for the past life of our planet, Earth.

A bone or a shell, a footprint or a feeding trace, are clues left by animals and plants from which we are able to reconstruct their lives.

These clues can be used to assess the environments in which the fossils lived. A fossil might contain information about the temperature of the sea in which the living organism swam, or demonstrate the existence of old oceans that have now disappeared.

By studying their shape and patterns of evolution, fossils enable us to build up a picture of the history of life of our planet and the great evolutionary forces which have changed the face of our world.

Get involved

Do you like fossil collecting? Tell us what you’ve found and your favourite places to seek out new fossils using our online form.

Let’s see what else we can find out about fossils and dinosaurs. Try searching the internet for:

evolution

Jurassic

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OneGeology - eXtra - OneGeology Kids - Fossils and dinosaurs

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DK Find Out! | Fun Facts for Kids on Animals, Earth, History and more!

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Visit DK Find Out! to learn about dinosaurs, space, animals, nature & more. Fun learning activities for kids with videos, quizzes & galleries at DKFindOut.com

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What is a fossil? Well, FOSSILS are the remains or traces of plants and animals that lived long ago. They form when layers of the earth build up on top of each other and turn into hard rock. The FOSSIL stays preserved in its shape by the hard rock around it. FOSSILS give scientists clues about the past and help them to study the plants and animals that lived long long ago. Scientists who study fossils are called PALEONTOLOGISTS. PALEONTOLOGISTS look for fossils all over the world and use special tools to remove FOSSILS from the ground. They have to be very careful not to break the FOSSILS.

A Day in the Life of a Paleontologist: See how they find fossils and keep them from breaking: https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/fossil-hunting-in-unexplored-dinosaur-country

What do Paleontologists do?

There are three main types of fossils - MOLD FOSSIL where you can see the bones, shape, or parts of an animal's body or plant, TRACE FOSSILS where you see the tracks, footprints, or even poop of an animal, and MUMMIFIED ANIMALS which can help scientists learn about how animals lived.

Learn more about fossils here:

Five ways to make fossils at home

1. Go on a mud hunt outside! Remember to bring a container and a shovel with you to scoop up your mud. Once you have enough mud to fill your container about halfway, you can start creating fossils! Trace fossils or body fossils can be made in your muddy container by pressing the object you'd like to make a fossil of into the mud. You can use dinosaur toys or any other toy you are okay with getting a little bit messy. You can also add spoons, shovels, paint brushes, strainers to use as your Paleontologist tools.
You can use play dough to make great prints as well!

2. DIY Fossil recipes with materials that you probably have at home in your kitchen cabinet!

3. Make ice fossils by filling a tupperware container with water and food coloring. Add your dinosaurs, shells, or toys and freeze the water overnight. Once your fossils are frozen, take them outside to smash on the sidewalk/driveway or melt them with warm/hot water! Make sure to be careful while melting or smashing.

4. Make edible Jello fossils. You'll need 2 boxes of Jello, a shallow pan (9×9 or 9×13), and plastic dinosaurs or toys that have been cleaned and sanitized well. First you mix the Jello according to the box directions, then pour your mixture into the pan. Add the dinosaurs while the Jello is still wet and let your mixture sit in the fridge overnight. The next day you can use spoons to dig up your dinosaurs or toys and have fun with Jello sensory play.

5. Use cut up toilet paper rolls or straws to arrange different styles of fossils on the ground or on a table. Make a dinosaur you already know or design your own type of dinosaur.

Activities

Listen to Curious George's Dinosaur Discovery:

Do dinosaur yoga using the yoga cards attached

Practice writing words with the Paleontologist word cards attached below. We would suggest printing the cards and encouraging your child to help cut the cards out - a great way to practice scissor skills!

Flip through the Fossils slides to see photos of fossils and paleontologists!

Other videos to learn more about fossils and paleontologists:

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What is a fossil? Well, FOSSILS are the remains or traces of plants and animals that lived long ago. They form when layers of the earth build up on top of each other and turn into hard rock. The FOSSIL stays preserved in its shape by the hard rock around it.

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Rocks, Gems, Crystals, Education, & Fun

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Gemstone/Mineral Index - Kids Love Rocks

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GemStone Mineral Index Amazonite Amethyst Aqua Marine Arabic Stone Autumn Red Bloodstone Blue Apatite Blue Calcite Blue Quartz Carnelian Chrysoprase

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Gems, Minerals, Crystals & Rocks–What's the Difference?

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ROCKS and MINERALS for Kids - What are their differences? - Science for Kids

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Kid's learn about the science of crystals. Repeating patterns of molecules form interesting shapes.

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Let's explore some facts about the layers of the earth! Then, why not take a look at our question sheet in the activity section at the end to test what you have learned.

The Earth is made of three layers that are just like an onion - the crust, the mantle and the core. Some of these layers have even more layers in them and are always moving.

The Earth is mostly made of rock and metal. As scientists can't really get right to the middle of the earth, it's not easy for them to know what's way down in the middle. There are always new theories coming out as measuring equipment and knowledge improves.

Core of the Earth Facts

The core is made of two layers - the inner and outer core. When the Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago, the heavy substances sunk to the middle and these formed the inner core. The lighter ones are like air and water stayed on the top on the crust.

The innermost part of the core is a bit like a solid lead ball, which is about 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometers) thick. That is thick! Under all that pressure, it actually can't melt. Are you ready for this? It is between 9,000 and 13,000 degrees Fahrenheit (4,982 and 7,204 degrees Celsius) in temperature.

That is seriously hot and unbelievably it's as hot as the sun's surface. When you think that a kettle reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius) at boiling point, then you can imagine just how hot the inside of the Earth is.

The inner core is said to spin at a different speed to the rest of the planet causing the Earth's magnetic field.

The second layer of the core is made of liquid iron and nickel and is about 1,400 miles (2,300 kilometers) thick. Some people have said that it is actually 3,200 miles (5,150km) thick and 7,200 to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit (3,982 to 4,982 degrees Celsius) in temperature.

It is because of the flow of metals in this inner core that the Earth is magnetic. The influence of this magnetic field extends beyond the Earth far into space and forms a barrier that helps protect the Earth from the Sun's destructive solar winds. Wow that's interesting.

The mantle is about 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) thick and makes up about 85% of the Earth's weight.

It is made of molten (melted) iron, minerals and other semi-solid rocks that can flow under pressure. It is thought that when the rocks rise due to the very intense heat and then cool, this means that they sink back to the core and this movement causes the crust to break into sections, or plates.

When these move and crash into each other it causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It is because of this movement that mountains and new sea floors are formed.

Sea floors are made of a thick rock called basalt which press into the mantle and can then fill with water. The various continents are made from lighter blocks that float on the mantle like massive icebergs.

When the mantle layer is explored they usually do it from the sea bed where the layer is thinner than on land. The first time they explored the mantle was in 1996, but they eventually gave up as they just couldn't get it right.

In 2007, scientists drilled to 23,000 feet (7,000 m) below the seabed from a Japanese ship called Chikyu, in an area between Cape Verde Islands and the Caribbean Sea. This drilling was three times deeper than any other previous drillings that they had done.

The crust is an outer solid layer and is where life as we know it exists with mountains, sea and soil. It is about 3-5 miles (5 - 8 kilometers) thick in the ocean bed. It is mostly made from basalt rock and is around 25 miles (40 kilometers) thick on land which is mostly made from granite rock.

This is the only layer of earth that can be investigated by drilling into it. So we know way more about his layer than any of the others!

Seismic Waves

The layers beneath the crust are investigated by watching how the waves that travel through the Earth (Seismic waves) from earthquakes or eruptions, behave. The machine that is used to measure these waves is called a seismograph.

Some Other Interesting Facts

Did you know that the inner core and the outer core of the Earth are as big as Mars?

Meteorites have bits of nickel and iron in them and scientists believe that they may be pieces from other planets which have exploded!

The mantle of the earth is solid rock, but amazingly it can be moldable, just like play dough. Don't think that this is the type of stuff to play with as it's so crazy hot!

Activity Time - Test Your Knowledge!

1. Test your knowledge of this subject using our activity sheet to use in class or at home: Questions about Layers of the Earth (all answers found on this page).

2. Also check out the Layers of the Earth Activity - Playdough Planet activity on our blog!

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Layers of the Earth Facts | Cool Kid Facts

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Layers of the Earth Facts Let's explore some facts about the layers of the earth! Then, why not take a look at our question sheet in the activity section at the end to test what you have learned. The Earth is made of three layers that are just like an onion - the crust, the mantle and the core.

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Kids learn about the science of the composition of the Earth. Different layers and what they do.

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The Geosphere - Layers of the Earth - Science for Kids

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Volcanoes for Kids | How Volcanoes Work | Earth Science

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Learn about how water moves all around our planet.

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Weather Wiz Kids weather information for kids

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Weather Wiz Kids is a fun and safe website for kids about all the weather info they need to know. It contains tools for weather education, including weather games, activities, experiments, photos, a glossary and educational teaching materials for the classroom.

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Take a bottle of soda. Shake it really hard. Gas bubbles will form inside, causing a buildup of pressure. Twist the cap off. Pressure will release from the bottle. Soda will shoot everywhere.

A volcanic eruption works much the same way. Pressure builds up inside a volcano as gas bubbles form in magma. Magma is hot liquid rock beneath the surface of the Earth. Gas bubbles in the volcano need to escape. So the volcano erupts. Boom!

A volcano is a mountain or hill with an opening. When a volcano erupts, magma is pushed up through the opening with great force. When magma reaches the Earth's surface, it is called lava. Lava can be as hot as 2,200°F (1,204°C).

Some volcanic eruptions are explosive. Lava shoots into the sky. Gas and hot pieces of rock and ash are also released. Other eruptions are effusive × effusive LEOPATRIZI/GETTY IMAGES overflowing (adjective) My effusive friend is enthusiastic about everything she does. . Lava oozes slowly from the volcano.

The intensity of an eruption depends on a few factors. One is the magma's temperature. Another is the magma's thickness. The amount of gas trapped within the magma is also an important factor.

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The Ring of Fire

About 75% of the Earth's volcanoes are located in a region called the Ring of Fire. This 25,000-mile "ring' is located around the Pacific Ocean. It runs from the southern tip of South America and up the west coast of North America. It continues across the Bering Strait and then south through Japan to New Zealand.

The ring sits along the outline of several tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are the large puzzle pieces that make up the Earth's crust. The crust is Earth's outer layer. Most volcanoes form at the edges of tectonic plates. These huge plates are constantly shifting. Sometimes, the plates pull apart or slide into each other. When this happens, magma rises to fill in the space. Strong pressure and intense heat force the magma upward. It squeezes upward like toothpaste through a tube.

Heating Up

Volcanoes can be dangerous-especially to the millions of people around the world who live near one. When a volcano erupts, lava, hot ash, steam, and rocks are released. In addition, volcanic eruptions can cause other natural disasters. These include landslides, mudslides, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

The most destructive volcanic event in U.S. history occurred in 1980. That is when Mount Saint Helens, in Washington State, erupted. The eruption destroyed entire forests. It killed 57 people. Mount Saint Helens is located within the Ring of Fire. It is a composite volcano, or stratovolcano. This is the most common type of volcano. It is tall and cone-shaped. A composite volcano is made up of layers of rock and ash. Its eruptions are often violent.

Another historically important volcanic event occurred in 79 A.D. in Italy. That is when Mount Vesuvius erupted. It buried the city of Pompeii in lava and ash. The city and its people were lost. Centuries later, scientists discovered their remains.

Volcanoes can be destructive. But they can also create new land. The Hawaiian Islands were created by the eruptions of shield volcanoes. These large, low-lying volcanoes are made up almost entirely of layers of hardened lava.

Another type of volcano is the cinder cone. These shoot lava into the air like a sputtering fountain. A cinder cone eruption often comes from a single volcanic vent in the Earth's crust. Lava cools quickly in the air. It hardens into glassy rocks around the volcano's opening. One example of a cinder cone volcano is Sunset Crater, in Arizona.

ARCTIC-IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES

A Powerful Force

Volcanoes have played an important role in shaping our Earth. Ash from volcanoes adds helpful minerals to soil. This helps plants grow strong. Healthy plants produce oxygen for humans and animals to breathe. Volcanoes also remove heat from the Earth's interior. This helps keep our planet cool.

In recent years, a new benefit of volcanoes has surfaced. Scientists are turning to volcanoes to help power cities. Researchers are exploring geothermal energy. It involves tapping into the heat beneath the Earth's surface to generate electricity. In Iceland, 25% of the nation's energy is geothermal.

Volcanoes may be unpredictable. But as we learn more about how they work, they will become even more important to life on Earth.

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Take a bottle of soda. Shake it really hard. Gas bubbles will form inside, causing a buildup of pressure. Twist the cap off. Pressure will release from the bottle. Soda will shoot everywhere. A volcanic eruption works much the same...

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Sedimentary Rocks Video for kids by makemegenius.com

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Visit http://www.makemegenius.com ,watch all Science & other educational videos for kids for free. When mountains are old, lots of rock gets worn away due to wind or weather erosion. Most of the broken parts of the rocks end up in the streams & rivers that flow down from these mountains.

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Let's learn some facts about Sedimentary rocks! At the end of the article, review our quiz sheet in the activity section to test what you have learned.

To geologists, people who study rocks, soil, fossils, mountains and earthquakes, a rock is a natural substance that is made up of solid crystals of different minerals that have been fused together into a solid lump.

The minerals may or may not have been formed at the same time. What matters is that natural processes that glued them all together.

Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are formed from broken down bits of other rocks or even from the remains of plants or animals.

The little pieces collect in low-lying areas by lakes, oceans, and deserts.

They are then compressed back into rock by the weight of the materials around them and on top of them.

What are the different types of rocks?

There are three basic types of rocks including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Sedimentary are the most common rocks that we see across the Earth's surface but form only a small part of the entire crust when compared to igneous and metamorphic rocks.

How are Sedimentary rocks formed?

When mountains are first formed, they are tall and jagged like the Rocky Mountains of North America.

Over millions of years mountains become old mountains like the Appalachian Mountains of Canada and the United States.

When they are older, they are more rounded and quite a bit lower.

As mountains age lots of rock gets worn away by erosion, which is from rain, snow, wind and running water. The big mountains crumble one little bit at a time.

Eventually most of the broken bits of the rock end up in streams and rivers that flow down the mountains.

These little bits of rock and sand are called sediments.

When the water slows down enough, they settle in layers on the bottom of lakes or oceans they run into.

Each layer is like the page of a book. One piece of paper is not heavy.

But a stack of telephone books is very heavy and squishes anything underneath.

Over time the layers of sand and mud at the bottom of lakes and oceans turns into rocks called sedimentary rocks.

You can tell sedimentary rocks by their layers, which tells us the following:

What the conditions were when they were deposited.

What they were made from e.g. minerals, organisms or small pieces of plants.

Which fossils are most frequently found in sedimentary rock.

How they got there.

Sedimentary rocks can be formed only where sediments are deposited for long enough to become cemented into hard beds or strata which are often seen on exposed cliffs.

Types of Sedimentary Rocks

There are six main type s of sedimentary rocks.

Sandstone is a soft stone made when sand grains cement together. Sometimes the sandstone is deposited in layers of different colored sand.

Shale is clay that has been hardened and turned into rock. It often breaks apart in large flat sections.

Limestone is rock containing many fossils and made of calcium carbonate and/or very tiny shells. When subjected to heat and pressure over time it forms metamorphic rock which is marble.

Chalk is a soft, white form of limestone.

Gypsum is a common white or colourless mineral used to make cements and plasters.

Conglomerate rock has rounded rocks like pebbles and boulders cemented together in patterns of lines and spaces.

Breccia has jagged bits of rock cemented together in patterns of lines and spaces.

Here are some other examples of Sedimentary rocks.

Fossil fuels are coal, oil and natural gas.

These were formed hundreds of millions of years ago from the remains of living organisms and before the time of the dinosaurs - which is why they're called fossil fuels.

Coal is a black color and a non-renewable energy source, which means that one day it will run out.

Around 300 million years ago the world was covered with tropical swamp forest. When these plants died they fell into the swampy earth and over time were buried.

Over millions of years they were changed into coal by pressure from the layers of rock above them. Coal is burned to heat water and produce steam.

Fossil fuels create greenhouse gases when burned, which contributes to global warmingand too much global warming is not a good thing at all for our planet.

More facts about Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are very important in helping us to find clues about the Earth's past. Lucky we've got them then.

Most of chemical sedimentary rocks come from minerals left behind by evaporated water! Wow.

Table salt actually comes from a chemical sedimentary rock called halite. Who would have thought!

So now you know all about Sedimentary rocks! Do you have anything to add?

Activity Time - Test Your Knowledge!
Take a quiz on this subject using our activity sheet: Earth Science Questions about Sedimentary Rocks (all answers found on this page).

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Let's learn some facts about Sedimentary rocks! At the end of the article, review our quiz sheet in the activity section to test what you have learned. To geologists, people who study rocks, soil, fossils, mountains and earthquakes, a rock is a natural substance that is made up of solid crystals of different minerals that have been fused together into a solid lump.

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Fun Kids - the UK's children's radio station

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With the Geological Society!

Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment grains deposited by water, wind or ice. They are always formed in layers, called "beds" or "strata", and quite often contain fossils.

Conglomerate is made up of rounded pebbles (>2mm) cemented together. They are formed from sediment deposited by fast-flowing rivers or by waves on beaches.

Mudstone is made up of fine-grained clay particles (<0.05mm) compressed together. Mudstones form where clay has settled out in calm water - in lakes, lagoons, or deep sea. Flaky mudstone is called shale.

Sandstone is made of sand grains (0.05-2mm) cemented together. It is formed from sediment deposited by rivers, the sea, or by the wind, so there are many types of sandstone.

Limestone is made up of calcium carbonate (fizzes with acid). This may be shell fragments, mud, or small, round ooliths that form in tropical lagoons. Chalk is a soft white limestone made from the microscopic skeletons of marine plankton.

Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment grains deposited by water, wind or ice. They are always formed in layers, called "beds" or "strata", and quite often contain fossils.

Conglomerate

Conglomerate is made up of rounded pebbles (>2mm) cemented together.

They are formed from sediment deposited by fast-flowing rivers or by waves on beaches.

Mudstone

Mudstone is made up of fine-grained clay particles (<0.05mm) compressed together.

Mudstones form where clay has settled out in calm water - in lakes, lagoons, or deep sea.

Flaky mudstone is called shale.

Sandstone

Sandstone is made of sand grains (0.05-2mm) cemented together.

It is formed from sediment deposited by rivers, the sea, or by the wind, so there are many types of sandstone.

Limestone & Chalk

Limestone is made up of calcium carbonate (fizzes with acid).

This may be shell fragments, mud, or small, round ooliths that form in tropical lagoons.

Chalk is a soft white limestone made from the microscopic skeletons of marine plankton.

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Geology Rocks - Sedimentary Rocks - Fun Kids - the UK's children's radio station

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With the Geological Society! Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediment grains deposited by water, wind or ice. They are always formed in layers, called "beds" or "strata", and quite often contain fossils. Conglomerate is made up of rounded pebbles (>2mm) cemented together. They are formed from sediment deposited by fast-flowing rivers or by waves on beaches.

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Enjoy our awesome range of Earth facts for kids. Check out the cool trivia and have fun learning about some of our planet's most amazing features.

Sedimentary Rock Facts

Enjoy our sedimentary rock facts for kids. Find interesting information and a range of examples that help explain what sedimentary rocks are and what makes them different from other kinds of rocks.

Sedimentary rocks are formed by sediment that is deposited over time, usually as layers at the bottom of lakes and oceans.

This sediment can include minerals, small pieces of plants and other organic matter.

The sediment is compressed over a long period of time before consolidating into solid layers of rock.

Sedimentary rocks forms layers called strata which can often be seen in exposed cliffs.

Sedimentary rocks cover the majority of the Earth's rocky surface but only make up a small percentage of the Earth's crust compared to metamorphic and igneous types of rocks.

Examples of sedimentary rocks include limestone, sandstone, mudstone, greywacke, chalk, coal, claystone and flint.

Limestone forms the metamorphic rock marble when subjected to extreme heat and pressure over time (metamorphism).

Sandstone forms the metamorphic rock quartzite.

Mudstone forms the metamorphic rock slate.

Chalk is a soft, white form of limestone.

Flint is a hard, sedimentary form of the mineral quartz.

Learn about igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, other rocks and minerals or fossils.

Make a fossil cast or check out our rock sorting lesson plan.

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Sedimentary Rock Facts for Kids - Information & Examples

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Enjoy our awesome range of Earth facts for kids. Check out the cool trivia and have fun learning about some of our planet's most amazing features. Sedimentary Rock Facts Enjoy our sedimentary rock facts for kids. Find interesting information and a range of examples that help explain what sedimentary rocks are and what makes them different from other kinds of rocks.

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Kids learn more about the science of the Earth's water cycle. How water moves around our planet from lakes to clouds to rain and more.

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A metamorphic rock is a type of rock which has been changed by extreme heat and pressure. Its name is from 'morph' (meaning form), and 'meta' (meaning change).

The original rock gets heated (temperatures greater than 150 to 200 °C) and pressured (1500 bars). This causes profound physical and/or chemical change. The original rock may be sedimentary rock, igneous rock or another older metamorphic rock.

There is always more pressure and higher temperature under the Earth's surface. In the root of a mountain chain or a volcano these forces will be enough to change shape of the strata and the minerals it is made of. Sedimentary rock which has been near such forces often looks as if a giant had twisted it and heated it over a fire. Examples of metamorphic rock:

The recrystallisation of minerals after heating generally causes the destruction of any fossils the rocks might have contained.

Regional metamorphism, or dynamic metamorphism, occurs in great masses of rock. Rocks can be metamorphosed just by being at great depths below the Earth's surface. There they get high temperatures and the great weight of the rock layers above.

Much of the lower continental crust is metamorphic, except for recent igneous intrusions. Horizontal tectonic movements such as the collision of continents create orogenic belts. High temperature, pressures and deformation occurs along these belts. If the metamorphosed rocks are later uplifted and exposed by erosion, they are seen as long belts or other large areas at the surface.

Contact metamorphism occurs when magma is injected into the surrounding solid rock (country rock). The changes that occur are greatest where the magma comes into contact with the rock. The temperatures were highest there and decreased with distance from it.

Related pages

Images for kids

In Spanish: Roca metamórfica para niños

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Rocks are made up of one or more minerals. Although different rocks can contain the same minerals, they are sorted into different types of rocks depending on how they were formed.

Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are exposed to heat and pressure deep within the Earth's surface. That's a pretty neat way of understanding different types of rocks!

Metamorphic Rock Examples

Examples of metamorphic rocks are marble and slate. There are many more with some really weird names like anthracite, quartzite, granulite, gneiss and schist.

What Are Some Other Types of Rocks?

There are three types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and of course metamorphic rocks.

Metamorphic rocks don't only form from igneous or sedimentary rocks, but they can also be formed from other metamorphic rocks. Wow, that's weird.

How are Metamorphic Rocks Formed?

This type of rock is formed under extreme pressure and heat over quite a long time.

Metamorphic rocks are called this name as they always start out as another rock. Metamorphic is a word that literally means to change from one thing to another. There you go...now you know!

When slate forms, some of the clay from the original rock is replaced by a mineral called mica.

During the stage of changing - which is called contact metamorphism - broken down pieces of rock near the Earth's surface are changed by magma.

During regional metamorphism, another stage of changing, rocks buried deep down in the Earth are changed by magma chambers.

Even though the rock gets really, really hot and is under a whole heap of pressure, it doesn't melt. Wow, that's one strong rock.

If it did melt, that would mean that either igneous or sedimentary rocks would form.

Interesting Metamorphic Rock Facts

There are rocks called foliated rocks. This is a type of rock with parallel bands of grain. Wow, that sure is weird.

Then there are non-foliated rocks. This is a type of metamorphic rock that has no bands of grain.

Now this is quite amazing. Do you know marble? Well, it's a type of metamorphic rock that is made from limestone! Wow.

Schist is a type of metamorphic rock that comes from slate, which is another type of metamorphic rock.

Slate, a metamorphic rock, can form from shale, clay, or mudstone.

The Taj Mahal in India is made entirely of different types of marble, a metamorphic rock. That's really cool.

Marble is quite durable, but it can be dissolved by lemon juice and other acids. No throwing these things at the Taj Mahal, then!

Did you know that most of the Earth's crust is made of metamorphic rock? Well, it's true!

Words You Need to Know

Igneous Rocks - these are formed through the cooling and then solidifying (becoming solid) of magma or lava.

Sedimentary Rocks - these are formed by sediment that is deposited over time, usually as layers at the bottom of lakes and oceans.

Foliated - this means that something is made up of thin sheets.

Durable - means that something is quite strong and hard to break.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning about metamorphic rocks can be an exciting journey for kids. By understanding the process of how rocks transform under intense heat and pressure, children can gain a deeper appreciation for the Earth's geological history.

Metamorphic rocks offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic nature of our planet and the incredible forces that shape its surface. Whether it's marble, slate, or gneiss, these rocks hold unique characteristics and stories waiting to be explored. Encouraging children to explore the world of metamorphic rocks can foster a love for geology and inspire a lifelong curiosity about the wonders of the natural world.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can metamorphic rocks change back into sedimentary or igneous rocks?

2. How do geologists identify and classify metamorphic rocks?
Earth Science
3. What are the different types of metamorphic rock textures?

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Metamorphic Rock Facts for Kids (Fun & Interesting) in [2023]

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Metamorphic Rocks For Kids Rocks are made up of one or more minerals. Although different rocks can contain the same minerals, they are sorted into different types of rocks depending on how they were formed.

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A metamorphic rock is a result of a transformation of a pre-existing rock. The original rock is subjected to very high heat and pressure, which cause obvious physical and/or chemical changes. Examples of these rock types include marble, slate, gneiss, schist.

They can be formed by pressures deep inside the Earth, by tectonic processes such as continental collisions, or when they are heated up by an intrusion of hot molten rock called magma from the Earth's interior.

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A metamorphic rock is a result of a transformation of a pre-existing rock. The original rock is subjected to very high heat and pressure, which cause obvious physical and/or chemical changes. Examples of these rock types include marble, slate, gneiss, schist.

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Metamorphic Rocks video for kids by makemegenius.com

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Visit http:// www.makemegenius.com ,watch all Science & other educational videos for kids for free. word comes from two Greek language words 'meta' and 'morph' which mean to change form.So we can say that Metamorphic rocks are those rocks which have changed,they were originally sedimentary or igneous rocks but due to heat and pressure inside earth & mountains ,these rocks changed to metamorphic rocks.

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Enjoy our awesome range of Earth facts for kids. Check out the cool trivia and have fun learning about some of our planet's most amazing features.

Metamorphic Rock Facts

Enjoy our metamorphic rock facts for kids. Find interesting information and a range of examples that help explain what metamorphic rocks are and what makes them different from other kinds of rocks.

Metamorphic rocks have been changed over time by extreme pressure and heat.

Metamorphic rocks can be formed by pressure deep under the Earth's surface, from the extreme heat caused by magma or by the intense collisions and friction of tectonic plates.

Uplift and erosion help bring metamorphic rock to the Earth's surface.

Examples of metamorphic rocks include anthracite, quartzite, marble, slate, granulite, gneiss and schist.

Anthracite is a type of coal with a high carbon count, few impurities and with a high luster (meaning it looks shiny).

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed from the sedimentary rock limestone.

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is formed from the sedimentary rock sandstone.

Slate is a metamorphic rock that is formed from the sedimentary rock mudstone.

Granulite is a metamorphic rock that is formed from the igneous rock basalt.

Learn about sedimentary rocks, igneous rocks, other rocks and minerals or fossils.

Make a fossil cast or check out our rock sorting lesson plan.

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Metamorphic Rock Facts for Kids - Information & Examples

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Enjoy our awesome range of Earth facts for kids. Check out the cool trivia and have fun learning about some of our planet's most amazing features. Metamorphic Rock Facts Enjoy our metamorphic rock facts for kids. Find interesting information and a range of examples that help explain what metamorphic rocks are and what makes them different from other kinds of rocks.

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Enjoy our awesome range of Earth facts for kids. Check out the cool trivia and have fun learning about some of our planet's most amazing features.

Igneous Rock Facts

Enjoy our igneous rock facts for kids. Find interesting information and a range of examples that help explain what igneous rocks are and what makes them different from other kinds of rocks.

Igneous rock is formed when magma cools and solidifies, it may do this above or below the Earth's surface.

Magma can be forced into rocks, blown out in volcanic explosions or forced to the surface as lava.

The atoms and molecules of melted minerals are what make up magma.

These atoms and molecule rearrange themselves into mineral grains as the magma cools, forming rock as the mineral grains grow together.

There are over 700 different types of igneous rocks.

Examples of igneous rocks include basalt, granite, pumice, obsidian, tuff, diorite, gabbro and andesite.

Basalt forms the metamorphic rock granulite when subjected to extreme heat and pressure over time (metamorphism).

Granite is a common rock that contains at least 25% quartz and is sometimes used in construction because of its strength.

Pumice is an unusual, lightweight rock formed when molten rock is rapidly blown out of a volcano, forming bubbles as it quickly loses pressure and cools at the same time.

Obsidian is a volcanic glass that forms quickly without crystal growth, it can have very sharp edges making it useful as a cutting tool or arrowhead.

Tuff is a rock formed from volcanic ash.

The upper section of the Earth's crust is made up of around 95% igneous rock.

Learn about sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks, other rocks and minerals or fossils.

Make a fossil cast or check out our rock sorting lesson plan.

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Igneous Rock Facts for Kids - Information & Examples

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Enjoy our awesome range of Earth facts for kids. Check out the cool trivia and have fun learning about some of our planet's most amazing features. Igneous Rock Facts Enjoy our igneous rock facts for kids. Find interesting information and a range of examples that help explain what igneous rocks are and what makes them different from other kinds of rocks.

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Igneous Rocks Facts Igneous comes from the Latin word 'ignis' which actually means fire. "Igneous" is a word used for rocks that have formed by the cooling and hardening of molten lava or magma. The atoms and molecules of melted minerals are what make up magma.

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Hello! I'm William and I'll be explaining what on earth geology has to do with water! Do you know where your drinking water comes from?

As well as this groundwater, water is also stored frozen as ice at the north and south poles. But 97% of all the water on our planet is held in the oceans.

Geological maps can show ice as well as rocks, like this map of Antarctica.

In an aquifer, the level that the water reaches is called the water table. Water, as you can see in your bath, will find its own level. This happens underground too. The water table moves up and down according to how much water is available to fill the given space....just like your bath water.

We can tap into groundwater by using wells that reach down to the water table.

A rock that has holes and holds water is called 'porous'.

Rocks that can soak up the water are called 'permeable'. These are rocks like limestone, chalk, sandstone.

Rocks that will not let water pass through them are called 'impermeable' like mudstone and granite.

An aquifer is usually made of sandstone or limestone.

Water in the aquifers can become polluted so we must be careful of chemicals or leakages into the ground.

Water can be held in the rocks, called aquifers, for lots of years.

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Hello! I'm William and I'll be explaining what on earth geology has to do with water! Do you know where your drinking water comes from? As well as this groundwater, water is also stored frozen as ice at the north and south poles. But 97% of all the water on our planet is held in the oceans.

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Igneous Rocks video for kids by makemegenius.com

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Sedimentary rocks

Sedimentary rocks are made when sand, mud and pebbles get laid down in layers. Over time, these layers are squashed under more and more layers. Eventually, the layers are lithified – turned to rock. Sedimentary rocks can be formed in deserts , lakes, rivers and seas .

More information

The sediment (the sand, mud and pebbles) that make up Sedimentary rocks come from other rocks that have been worn down by wind, rain and snow. When we find sedimentary rocks we can work out what the environment was like when those rocks were formed – old sand dunes and river channels are preserved in the rocks.

Much of southern England is made up of sedimentary rocks, shown here as long blue and purple areas.

Static map.

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OneGeology - eXtra - OneGeology Kids - Rocks and minerals - Sedimentary rocks

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Sedimentary rocks are made when sand, mud and pebbles get laid down in layers. Over time, these layers are squashed under more and more layers. Eventually, the layers are lithified – turned to rock. Sedimentary rocks can be formed in deserts , lakes, rivers and seas .

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Igneous rocks

Igneous rocks are formed by solidification of cooled magma (molten rock) either below (plutonic) or above (volcanic) the surface of the earth.

The magma consists of partial melting of pre-existing rock and can be caused by one or a combination of; an increase in temperature, pressure changes, change in composition.

Volcanoes are a sign that our planet is immensely hot inside.

An example of an igneous rock is granite. The word igneous comes from the Latin word ignis meaning fire. This is a clue – the rocks were originally very hot! But then they cooled down slowly into a solid rock made up of different bits stuck together called crystals. They are often very beautiful and sparkle in the sunlight.

Static map.

Igneous rocks are often shown on geological maps in pink. This map shows an area in New Zealand that has several dormant or extinct volcanoes.

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