Growing Salt Crystals is a Fun Geology Experiment for Kids (and adults, too)!

Hey Mini Me Geologists! Try this fun experiment to learn more about growing salt crystals. Did you know that the salt you put on your food is actually a mineral? Salt forms naturally by precipitation or evaporation. In this experiment, you will watch salt crystals form by precipitation because it is just more fun than watching water dry and leave salt behind, although you can try that method, too. Grab an adult to help you with the stove and boiling water but the rest you can do on your own. In nature, salt will precipitate from mineral-rich water in oceans or lakes so you will simulate ocean water to grow your crystals.

What is Mineral Luster?

The fact is that EVERY mineral has a luster. Geologists use so many terms for different types of luster is will make your head spin. Sometimes the luster is obvious and sometimes a little more subtle. Basically, luster is the appearance of a mineral’s surface when light shines on the sample. The absorption, refraction and reflection of the light upon the surface of the mineral will present as different luster.

Ask-a-Geologist #4: Why do geologists tests rocks for calcite?

Today we have another great geology question from one of our readers.

Terrance writes: Why do scientists check rocks to see if they contain calcite?

The Most Hated Word in Geology

Ok, so I’m sure that not everyone hates this word. But, I sure do. I see many kids get frustrated with the subject of rocks just because this word is confusing and teachers often use it without explaining how easy the word really is to understand.

What’s the word? The word is detrital. Its synonym, clastic, is a close second on my “words I hate list.” Number three on my list has nothing to do with geology.

What is Plate Tectonics and How Does it Work?

Alfred Wegener, a German scientist, developed the theory of plate tectonics in the early 1900’s. He published his ideas in a book titled The Origin of Continents and Oceans, in 1915. Wegener noticed that the continents on Earth looked like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle and believed that the continents were once connected.

Ask-A-Geologist Q&A #2: What is Syenite Used For?

What is the rock syenite used for?

The Inner Core – Earth’s Fascinating Layers, Part 4

Finally! You’ve reached the solid inner core and boy, is it hot! This interior core is roughly 3,200 miles deep!

The Outer Core – Earth’s Fascinating Layers, Part 3

Now that you have passed through the mantle, you are at the edge of the outer core. Can you swim?

The Mantle – Earth’s Fascinating Layers, Part 2

The mantle is approximately 1,800 miles thick! The solid mantle material is made of materials rich in iron, aluminum, magnesium, oxygen and silicon. The temperature in the mantle is over 1,000 degrees Celsius.

Metamorphic Rocks Tell A Story

Metamorphic rocks form when sedimentary or igneous rocks changes form. The change occurs when the original rocks are exposed to high heat or pressure when the rock is buried deep below the land surface. This change can tell a geologist about the history of an area giving us insight into the formation of the land […]