Ask-a-Geologist #22: What are some common household uses of rocks and minerals?

We received a great question from one of our customers about the usefulness of rocks. Teddy wrote:

What are some common household items made of rocks and minerals?

In this video answer, we talk about several types of rocks and minerals and their common uses. There are probably some you know and maybe a few you do not. We talk about one you probably use everyday and one you may even eat. Take a look at the video and see how many of these you know.

Mini Me Geology’s “The 12 Rocks of Christmas” Holiday Song

The 12 Rocks of Christmas – A holiday song for all of our friends!

Use Rock Walks to Connect with Your Kids and Science

Looking for some fun time with the kids away from the television, phones and video games?

Try a “Rock Walk!”

What is Rock Weathering?

Ah, the weather. Rain, wind, snow, ice, heat and cold all affect the nature and appearance of the Earth’s exposed rocks. Rocks and minerals that are out in the open over time will change the way they look due to the weather. The heat and cold will make the rocks expand and contract which can cause cracking and flaking.

What You Need to Know About Minerals & Gemstones

Minerals are unique chemical substances which are homogeneous (the same) throughout the specimen. Minerals can be found as single crystals or clusters of many crystals. Rocks are a group of minerals that are found together.

Geology is all around you!

Whether you know a lot about geology or just a little, you probably know that the Earth’s crust and the material below it are made up of rocks and minerals. There are hundreds of varieties of rocks and minerals and each one has its own unique history from the time it was formed to the time someone finds a specimen and adds it to their collection

Ask-a-Geologist #15: What Geology Field Notes Do I Take When I Find Rocks and Minerals?

Ellie wrote to us and asked what notes she should take when she finds rocks and minerals. Geologists use fancy notebooks with waterproof paper but a simple notebook and pen will work just fine. Watch this video to find out what notes to take and how to organize your notebook for your collection.

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.

The Travertine Hot Spring Terraces of Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale, Turkey is home to one of the most beautiful and interesting geological setting in the world – the travertine hot spring terraces that cascade down the hillside toward the city below.

The Crust: Earth’s Fascinating Layers, Part 1

Have you ever wondered what is beneath your feet? I am not talking about the grass and soil, but the material located miles below the land surface. If you stand in your backyard and dig a hole, what would you see?