S3U

Science / Geology / Grade 3 / sg301

Rocks and Minerals Are Not the Same

Distinguish a mineral's properties from a rock made of materials.

All worksheets
5 questions0m 0s
Learn the skill

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid with an ordered internal structure and characteristic composition. A rock is an aggregate of minerals or other geological material. Use several properties, not color alone.

Worked example

Granite commonly contains quartz, feldspar, and mica. Granite is the rock; quartz is one mineral that may be part of it.

1. In the example, which is a mineral?
2. Why is granite described as a rock?
3. Which property describes resistance to scratching?
4. Why use more than color to identify a mineral?
5. Can a rock contain more than one mineral?