At this station, we discussed minerals, rocks, and rock formations. Here’s a brief explanation of the distinctions:
In short, minerals are the building blocks of rocks. Rocks therefore consist of one or more minerals. In turn rock formations are large-scale cohesive units of different rock types.
- Minerals: The building blocks of rocks, defined by a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure. Examples are calcite (CaCO₃) or quartz (SiO₂).
- Rocks: Composed of one or more minerals. For example, marl is primarily made up of calcite and clay minerals.
- Rock formations: Large-scale geological units with a characteristic composition and origin from a specific geological period, such as the Kössen Formation.