Geologic Definitions

In the post about copper, we learned that an ore is a mineral containing a significant amount of a particular metal such as copper.

Here are a few more terms to add to your geologic dictionary…

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element (such as copper - Cu) or compound (such as quartz - SiO2) that has an orderly internal structure and particular chemical composition, crystal form and physical properties.

Quartz Crystal

A rock is a solid, relatively hard, naturally occurring inorganic material. It can consist of one or more minerals that have grown intertwined or are suspended in a matrix. The main categories of rocks are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic.

You don’t need to know the scientific description of a mineral or rock to enjoy my blog posts. You just need to remember that a rock is made up of one or more minerals.

Igneous Rocks

Formed when hot molten material (such as magma) cools allowing minerals crystalize and solidify. Example - Granite (which is pink!)

Sedimentary Rocks

Formed from deposits of once-living material (such as dinosaurs) or small pieces of other rocks (such as sand) that have been compacted into a solid material after burial. Fossils are typically found in sedimentary rocks. Examples - limestone and sandstone

Metamorphic Rocks

Formed when existing rocks are subjected to extreme heat and pressure which causes the minerals in the rocks to significantly change by either melting and reforming into different minerals or get ground into smaller pieces. Example - gneiss

Hydrous copper carbonates are the minerals that precipitate in fractures and cavities from copper rich carbonated water that resulted from carbonated water, which has come in contact with a copper deposit. Examples of hydrous copper carbonates are malachite and azurite.

Natural Malachite

A pseudomorph is a mineral formed by chemical or structural change of another substance, but generally retains the original external shape. Examples of pseudomorph is petrified wood.

Petrified Wood at the Petrified Forest

I’ll add geologic definitions to this post as they come up. So, check here if I use a term you aren’t familiar with.