Today we are talking about the difference between rocks and minerals. Minerals and rocks are known as the building blocks of the earth. We are here to learn how landscapes are formed in the world and that minerals and rocks provide all the valuable resources needed within our environment. So let us gather some more information about the difference between rocks and minerals.
Definition of Rock
Rock is an inorganic, solid and natural substance formed without any chemical composition. We know that rocks are made up of two or more minerals. The rocks on earth are made of marble, limestone, granite, slate and sandstone. The various minerals in the rocks of the world can be mixed with the rock by various geological processes.
Definition of Minerals
Natural and inorganic solids are called minerals. Minerals have a crystalline composition with a specific chemical composition. Different chemical compounds are found in a mineral and it defines the form of crystalline minerals. We know that minerals are mainly solid. Minerals exist naturally. Minerals have a crystalline structure and do not contain living tissue.
Differences
1. Rocks are found in solid form on the earth's crust.
Minerals are said to be in the mountains as mineral deposits.
2. None of the rocks have a definite shape and the rocks are found in different colors.
The color and exact shape of any mineral can be seen
3. Rocks without any chemical composition are known as inorganic and solid naturally formed substances.
All minerals are inorganic, solid and also matter like rock. Minerals have a definite crystalline composition as well as a chemical composition.
4. Many rocks on earth are also in small form and these mountains are also microscopic in nature.
Many minerals on earth can be easily identified.
5. Rocks on earth contain many types of minerals.
Minerals on Earth cannot contain rocks.
6. Many rocks have some physical properties such as shape, color, luster, texture and pattern.
Minerals on rocks exhibit specific process hardness, color, crystal habit, specific gravity, fracture, luster and composition.
7. Shell, sand, gravel and a few pieces of some material are known as examples of rock.
Fossil fuels such as petroleum, crude and coal are known as examples of minerals.
Use of Rocks and Minerals
Everyone in the world can use rocks and minerals in their daily lives.
1. Coal and Graphite
A mineral called coal has only the remains of woody plants that died in swampy conditions and the coal was cooked in a solid mass. This mineral is mainly used as a fuel to generate electric power in the United States.
2. Sand, Limestone, and Gravel
Cement can be made using sand, limestone and gravel. Many people also combine sand and gravel with cement to make concrete. When limestone is heated enough it releases carbon dioxide.
3. Silver and Gold
Many mountain shelves have sister elements from gold and silver and copper. All these minerals reflect similar structures of their molecules. Limestone, Sand, and Gravel have similar chemical properties.
4. Copper and Zinc
A mineral called copper is used in water for copper pipes, electrical wires, copper cookware and computers. A substance called zinc has been reported to be beneficial in shortening the duration of the common cold.
5. Garnet and Talc
A mineral called garnet is a gemstone made of metals bound with silica. Garnet has a relatively hard hardness and is used as an abrasive for both sand blasting and sand paper. In contrast, a mineral called talc is used in baby powder. Talc is a very soft mineral.
6. Granite, Salt, Quartz, and Marble
On the mountain, when magma cools inside the earth and never erupts from a volcano, mineral called granite is formed. Salt is known as a very important mineral made from sodium and chlorine. Marble and quartz are used to make buildings.
7. Gypsum, chalk, and slate
Gypsum contains water in its mineral composition. Gypsum is destroyed when heated and this mineral provides an initial line of defense against building fires. Chalk is known as a limestone made up of the skeletons of millions of microorganisms.
8. Petroleum
Petroleum minerals are the most widely used mineral in the world. All oils, including rubber and plastic gas cans, are used by such minerals.
9. Oil
We know that oil is very much known as fossil fuel. This type of mineral has been produced for many millions of years by the decay of decomposing plants and animals in the Earth's crust.
10. Mercury and Lead
Mercury is the only mineral that is in liquid form at room temperature. That is why Mercury has been used in thermometers for so long. This metal moves the thin tube up and down. Lead is known as a very gaseous and very soft metal. Lead has a low melting point which allows lead to form easily.
11. Iron and Aluminum
A substance called iron is usually made up of compounds of iron and oxygen. This type of metal is commonly used in various combinations with carbon and silicon. A metal called aluminum is found bound to water. Aluminum has become cheaper and more plentiful.
12. Pumice and Obsidian
The rocks of Pumice are formed by volcanic eruptions. Lava cools very quickly when it forms natural glass and only then forms Obsidian metal. Obsidian is used by many cultures for projectiles and knives. Pumice metal is used as an abrasive.
13. Sulfur and Flint
Mineral called sulfur is considered an integral part of gunpowder. Sulfur has an explosive potential in fireworks and was once used in propellants of tablets. This mineral is also integral to the match. The metal called flint is a type of glitter quartz and this mineral forms as nodules in limestone.
14. Clay Mudstone
From ceramics and simple plant pots, extravagant porcelain is made from Clay Mudstone. Clay Mudstone is just a rock formed from a compaction of mud. If Clay Mudstone is buried deep enough then Clay Mudstone becomes a slate.
