Overview
Mineralogy and petrology are essential branches of geology that focus on the study of minerals and rocks, respectively. Understanding minerals involves examining their properties, classifications, and identification techniques, while petrology delves into the formation, composition, and types of roc...
Key Terms
Example: Quartz is a common mineral found in many rocks.
Example: Granite is an example of an igneous rock.
Example: Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock.
Example: Marble is a metamorphic rock derived from limestone.
Example: Mica exhibits perfect cleavage, allowing it to split into thin sheets.
Example: Quartz has a conchoidal fracture, breaking with smooth, curved surfaces.
Related Topics
Geochemistry
The study of the chemical composition of Earth materials and processes.
intermediateStructural Geology
The study of the three-dimensional distribution of rock units and their deformational histories.
advancedGeophysics
The study of the physical properties of the Earth and its surrounding space.
advancedPaleontology
The study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.
intermediateKey Concepts
Mineral CompositionRock TypesFormation ProcessesIdentification Techniques