Metamorphic Rocks

The rocks that make up our Earth are constantly moving and changing.  The three types of rocks are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.  A metamorphic rock is formed when a sedimentary or igneous rock changes form because the temperature or pressure changes.  This change typically happens over time when the sedimentary or igneous rocks are buried […]

Here are some of our latest “Ask-a-Geologist” questions & answers

Q:  What is in magma that makes up a rock?
A:  Magma is the term used for liquid rock which forms deep below the Earth’s surface.  Magma can be composed of many different things such as silicates, alkalis, iron and magnesium.  The composition of the magma will determine the type of rocks which it will eventually […]

Tracy Barnhart of Mini Me Geology Interviewed on Lowcountry Live

A few weeks ago, I did an interview on Lowcountry Live, a local television show in Charleston, SC.  I really appreciate Lowcountry Live having me on the show!  Check out the video here:

June Birthstone – Pearl

Pearls are a beautiful organic gemstone which is formed in a variety of colors and shapes.  Pearls form inside of mollusk shells such as oysters and mussels.  This unique gemstone is made of primarily the mineral aragonite.  Aragonite is the mineral that lines the inside of the mollusk shell.  An organic substance, called conchiolin, is […]

Staurolite - Now this is a cool mineral!

Staurolite is a unique mineral which often forms cross-shaped twinned crystals.  While staurolite is generally brown it has a colorless to grey streak and it is about as hard as quartz (7 to 7.5 on Mohs hardness scale).  The name staurolite comes from the Greek word stauros which means “cross.”  Staurolite forms in metamorphic rocks […]

Create your own Rock and Mineral Kit at Mini Me Geology

Mini Me Geology is proud to announce our Create-A-Kit Rock and Mineral collections.  Visit our website today and choose 15 of your favorite rocks and minerals.  We will customize your kit with an identification card for each sample, a hand lens, and a streak plate if you choose minerals.  Plus, we will personalize your collection […]

Every heard of a Herkimer Diamond?

OK, today I thought I would talk a little about Herkimer Diamonds.  If you know what they are, you’ll probably agree with me that they are so cool!
Sorry!  Herkimer Diamonds are not real diamonds.  Herkimer Diamonds are actually quartz crystals that are naturally formed with points on both ends of the crystal.  These crystals are […]

The Rock Cycle - Dig Into Geology

One of the most interesting topics in geology is the Rock Cycle.  The Rock Cycle is the method by which minerals are made into sedimentary and igneous rocks, which are then made into metamorphic rocks.  The cycle continues when all of these sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks break down into mineral and small rock pieces […]

Experiment on Growing Salt Crystals - Great summer fun!

Are you looking for something fun to try with your kids this summer?  Try this fun experiment to learn more about growing mineral crystals.  You will need:

Clean Jar

String (we prefer cotton)

Scissors

Tape (optional)

Pencil

1-2 Cups boiling water (kids, get your parents help)

1-2 Cups table salt

Notebook

Camera (optional)

Step 1:  Boil the water and then transfer it to your clean […]

My Rockin’ Collection! Minerals by Mini Me Geology

Spark a child’s interest in the Earth with this collection of 15 fantastic minerals.  Each kit includes a white streak plate, black streak plate, hand magnifier, and identification cards which include a photo and fun mineral facts for each sample.  Kids can try to identify each mineral using the streak plates, hand magnifier, and identification […]