33. How to Identify Rocks

How can you tell what type of rock you have? Join us to learn how you can tell one type of rock from another.
The notes for our course are a free download available on our website: science.mom/earthscience
Get the Rock Identification Flowchart from our Teachers Pay Teachers page:
www.teacherspayteachers.com/P...
The layered rock in the thumbnail image on the far left is called Vernon wonderstone. It comes from a quarry in Utah and is technically a "welded-vitric tuff," a type of volcanic rock. The colorful banding is caused by groundwater with iron oxides that altered the tuff. It's one of my favorite rocks and I meant to show it during our lesson but didn't end up having time to talk about it in the video lesson.
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[@free2bfree583]

I'm a grandma (not a kid) - learning about rocks - and loving your channel. Thank you...

[@ourd0gseven]

Some rocks and Mountains are the remains of the Biblical Giants of Old.

[@elaineinoregon2727]

I’m a grandma too and have loved and collected rocks since I was a little kid!

[@debvenneman744]

Lol..Grammas must have a corner market on rocks in your pockets! I am one of them to. I just told my sister in law that I wish they would have had classes taught this way when I was a kid. I would have totally taken a very different career pathway!!!

[@douglasewing5347]

Ok so i have some important info that will change history books the world over. Do to a recent parasitic infection I picked up that caused me to do a lot of research into the local prolerty and farm animals around my property, and i also noticed a lot of crystal rock structuresI was finding shaped with a serpentine or skull look to a lot of funding daily on-the-ground picking them clean and finding more daily on the ground. so I started doing some footnotes and video recording and one day stumble across a portal opening up about the size of the palm of my hand on the top of a blue Buick with metallic flakes on it. The paint on the hood of the car started to bend and eyes began to Peer out. A translucent worm like with snakish

[@MommaChaga]

Same here Grama! It’s our turn to learn! So exciting! Granny Nerds!

[@kemjuracek8903]

64-years-old and still learning about rocks. This video is awesome.

[@Mariosergio-fj2kq]

Brasíl

[@drlindberg1]

81

[@963ag]

I have been an avid rockhound since childhood. All things pertaining to geology and especially paleontology, fascinate me. When I was younger, fossils were my big passion, but now I am adding things like peacock copper, agates, quartz, desert rose, etc. to my collection. I think it is the combination of the aesthetic beauty and the scientific information that attracts me. My uncle was also a collector and did lapidary work, which I have never done as I am not good with my hands.

[@SnarkasticSunny]

Am not a kid either... 65 today. Have collected rocks for many years - I love pretty rocks. I want to get my own rock polisher soon. Friends have polished my rocks for me until now. Some of prettiest rocks I found walking on Oregon beaches.

[@jerilynshirley2421]

Im a gramma that collects rocks and i am so glad i found your channel. Made my day!

[@LauRoot892]

Shirley

[@msinbalony]

You guys are awesome:) I didn't realize this was intended for kids till half way through:) I'm discovering the world of crystals lately, and wanted some sceintific context.. really enjoyed this. I love that Dad comes to class clueless and learns everything with us.. that's sweet:)

[@JudeNance]

I have been a rock hound since I was a child. Thank you 😊

[@Grannathinks]

I'm a Granna at 70 years old I am finally learning more about rocks that I have collected for years.

[@rockysmith4257]

Outstanding teacher. Great team. His questions, provide a wonderful natural flowing sequence of questions that allow her to fill in the blanks in her highly expressive way. May your tribe increase!

[@Mariosergio-fj2kq]

Muito bom

[@flordelizaescano9071]

Accidentally stumbled on your channel. Tons of knowledge to digest. Thank you for sharing them. Cool show

[@Mariosergio-fj2kq]

Muito bom saber

[@mariajoaocarvalhoareias8350]

Awesom video thank you 💯🙏I am a grandma 62 and a lover of rocks ,all rocks,minerals and raw crystals.Collect some .Thank you so interesting and so informative. Bless You with Love and Light thank you .

[@soyunkim5380]

I had an in-box thinking about Rock. Education broadened my eyes on how to see the object in my life as a metaphor as someone described my life and experience.

[@Mariosergio-fj2kq]

Brasíl

[@crystalhuntbeebe4800]

Within the past few years I've become drawn to rocks and minerals I've found while out and about.. Just turned 44 yr old but still a kid at heart

[@barbaraolson600]

Love the beautiful way nature expresses! Crystals, minerals, rocks, all are beautiful and amazing. Thank you.

[@kimberlyannfarish1080]

I love how enthusiastic you are when presenting. It makes me smile!

[@CircusMaximusFamily]

This is the best video about rock identification and explanation I’ve ever seen! You did such a great job, I enjoyed every second of watching this and I’m sure will end up watching it many more times. I really appreciate you making this! 😊

[@huntingorgon44]

👍👍👍

[@noelgonzales5424]

Hello sir, and madam Do you have email. Add

[@lucindabecenti2652]

Lets all Rock on

[@melissahemenway565]

Me 2 u guys r great teachers!!

[@jannay1039]

I’m a grandma to crystal, rock, etc. loving granddaughter in the 4th grade. She gets her curiosity from me who lived most of my life in Colorado and am the daughter of a hard rock miner (molybdenum). The book, Colorado Roadside Geology “ was my bible for many years. I now live in Hawaii which is kind of limited for rock hounding. I have a large collection and have several rocks/minerals that I have never been able to make a ‘for certain’ identification. I came upon your channel while searching for guidance to identify these specimens. I’m thrilled to be an adult subscriber! My granddaughter agrees that you and your husband are wonderful teachers who make learning fun! I’m certain the math videos will be another favorite.

[@valentingao5515]

This video was super fun and engaging, I am a highschool student preparing for a science Olympiad competition and I really had no interest or clue, but saw this field of study as something obligatory. You guys really turned my mindset back to a child fascinating over toys. Thank you so much :D

[@dkrao78]

You guys have brushed my knowledge which I gathered during my graduation. One of my subject was Geology.. 😅

[@woodratwilly3873]

Was looking for geology information as I prospect for gold. Found your site and watched. Reminded me of kindergarten how you presented your information and realized you are teaching. I let it flow and giggled with enthusiasm, but during your presentation I received an education on things I didn't know. Thankyou with happy smiles

[@IdentityQuandry]

I'm a new rock collector. Your program is far and above all the others I've seen anywhere. Your information is presented in a lively, intelligent manner. I was riveted! So much valid information so very clearly explained! I thank you for sharing your knowledge in such an entertaining and educational way!

[@ronaldnickell6110]

The old stoves used for heating used to have mica windows to see if it was lit. This was from back in the forties and fifties. This dates me as I was born in 1945. Loved your show.

[@marilyncuaron3222]

Same here---only we called it 'Isenglass'. I don't know why.

[@ErwinMaas]

I am just trying to get into identifying rocks and stones and have seen many videos about it, but just couldn't connect all kinds of dots. Your video made so many things very clear to me, I will need to save it and will surely watch it several more times in the future. Lots of thanks from a 62 year old Dutch guy retiring in Portugal!

[@dorothycoleman4834]

i am a lover of rocks. all rocks. minerals. raw crystals, etc. i have trouble identifying them and always have. i have reseached, i have books.... You Science Momma are by far the BEST book i ever read!!! i am a grandmother and i will share this with my little ones while we sit and identify some of my huge collection some day. Thank you soooo very much for sharing this video with us kids :) :) :) i am a kid at heart and yet i am 52 :D RockLove 💙💙

[@AmblingAloof]

Great presentation. Both fun and informative. Not just for kids. I'm a 50 something adult and loved your video. 👍😊

[@SerenityOracle]

You made this video very simple and easy for the beginner! I love it! ❤

[@andrewsmail8307]

Being into stones and minerals heavily and being a total fossil addict here on east coast of UK this video I found most interesting, thanks for sharing your knowledge :)

[@margaretspurling8162]

I led a busy life but I always loved rocks and marveled over how they were made with water and or heat and minerals. Good for You to share your Knowledge!

[@monicaroberts4904]

Love, love the explanations of what constitutes a rock. Thank you.

[@MandKW]

Love this! You are a very gifted teacher - very interesting!

[@timothysantama4102]

I love your way to explain. Hoping to see more videos like this, and more free supplementary files to keep the learning to be easier. ❤

[@camilovergara6653]

The best rock class I have ever seen. You are rock…stars

[@relaxawaybay7003]

I as well stumbled upon your channel. This is great information even for us older post students. Thank you!

[@lonnienoland2921]

You guys, are Monstrously Amazing keep it up !!!

[@exploringwithashandjake2373]

Hello new subscriber here I love that you talk about rocks I have been collecting rocks for over 33 years

[@Sara-gl8ue]

I absolutely love this. I love your energy and enthusiasm!

[@jennifergorman7723]

This is wonderful! I just discovered your channel. I’m sharing this with my kids and my friends.. Thx for the great content!

[@nagaxplorer2022]

I’m a student of geology with a PhD😊; no wonder a rock enthusiast. Stumbled upon your channel. Looking forward to watching your videos. Love your title. New subscriber here 👍

[@Mariosergio-fj2kq]

Brasíl

[@timkalkreuth5548]

Your so easy to follow while understanding. Nice!

[@beecarp5341]

Thank you, retirement age, amateur rock hound- with your help, i think i finally get it !!

[@AbdullahVEVO]

best video of this subject I've watched on KZbin so far!

[@johnramirez5032]

What a great presentation. Ive always loved rocks. Rocks lead to lead to geology and the history of this planet. Also if your looking for say gold you need to know rocks and the way they are formed . Excellent presentation. !

[@victorharness8293]

Very well organized and presented.

[@FrankBoston]

What an awesome, attractive, intelligent, and fun couple! I'm a 47 year old kid that just had a blast learning along with you all. Thanks so much!

[@LauRoot892]

Lol 0:15

[@Mariosergio-fj2kq]

Muito bom

[@Farida-A.R.]

Amazing information about rocks mineral and metals and best videography, thanks for sharing.

[@tomwaldenofficial]

Enjoyed watching and learned a lot. Thanks for making and posting this video. -Tom

[@NewZealandWild]

Such an awesome talk. I'm 65 and living on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Our beach has so many colours of quartz, jaspers, greenstone, and so many rocks I still haven't identified. I've made huge rock gardens at home with different coloured sections flowing into each other. I was also a cave guide at Waitomo many years ago. I explored fabulous caves around there with gypsum flowers growing out of the walls, and incredible selenite and aragonite crystsls, as well as the usual calcite. I'm so lucky to have seen all those amazing things. I've been a nature photographer a long time, so I've seen a bit 😷

[@barbarajeanbraceletlady3090]

I love this video, thank you for the much needed information. I make bracelets, and I love Obsidian Beads. I also look up meanings of what each Crystal.

[@kaishatumangger6319]

This is so entertaining and insightful! Big thanks for the video >

[@chemovillalobos1089]

SO SO INTERESTING AND AMAZING YOUR WORK...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[@ShylieKay]

Love this, guys thank you! Lol I realize it's geared towards newbies, it made me smile though, very Bill & Ted- Whoaahh!! 😄🥰🥰

[@MrRzykruski]

Who knew rocks could be this entertaining? Not sure about you, but I sure did

[@maribelkierstead4226]

I love the way she teach. Thank you

[@santiago4744]

Hello mom you are a true gem!

[@kenkerwin9725]

Rocks are neat ! I clean the rivers around here and I do have so many different types. Love you guys keep on Rocking . Thanks

[@LauRoot892]

Kerwin

[@nasrinrezaee2699]

Thank you for good information about rocks and gemstone ❤

[@hellomobile5584]

Thank you very much for your advice, good knowledge about rocks and minerals, Do not! forget to Continue this list, I will follow from 🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭

[@ColdPotatos]

Finding your channel is going to be super benificial thanks alot.

[@HeirloomReviews]

Wow that was great! Thanks for sharing my friend!! 😁👍

[@kittengem4243]

I really enjoyed learning and watching your show 💎💎💎💎💎

[@essveekaye]

Science mom n Math dad. I absolutely love it. ❤

[@mrparrehesian1742]

Science Mom is Magma.

[@user-ug5sb6qg1u]

Supernova hitting an asteroid belt.

[@Water_Rat]

Very well presented and informative. Thanks so much!

[@LauRoot892]

Yup

[@mattiegraham6002]

Thank you....actually enjoyed the entire 43 minutes

[@seventeens6916]

I love this video so much. Thank you!

[@lprice2826]

You definitely have fun and are very very educated and I appreciate all the knowledge I just got

[@stevenrasmussen9738]

I am employed by a mining company in central new york,and I operate a wash plant in a gravel bed,I just learned so much from watching this video. Once job,and thank you.

[@Josh1888USU]

This is awesome! Just looking up how to identify rocks on KZbin and I'm pleasantly surprised to see a guy I went to High School with. Well hello SB, glad to see you're doing well. So fitting that you're wearing a Math shirt, btw. - Josh M.

[@MellowMaromi]

@@Josh1888USU Just wanted to let you know if you haven't found out already, the person you responded to is actually a scammer. I hope you haven't tried reaching out to them using the number given...

[@bobiijae790]

So I have loved rocks crystals minerals and gemstones since I was 7 when a geologist or I guess you can call him a gemologist because he studied mainly crystals and semi-precious to precious gemstones but he also did bring us minerals I was seven and I was hooked I absolutely love them and as I got older I was able to you know afford to collect them now the reason why I love them isn't because they're worth money or because you know they're precious I love them because they're little pieces of our Earth's history and how it's grown informed over time and what I really love is how each individual Crystal Rock mineral gemstone they all form in different ways depending on pressure the minerals and other chemicals that are in the ground with them and how different locations have different kinds of minerals crystals rocks and gemstones

[@catherinehowe3511]

My finding gemstones in the wild was only the beginning. What a journey.

[@bobiijae790]

@@catherinehowe3511 my love or obsession some people call it, started when I was younger in school like I stated previously above this, and ever since then I've only had the opportunity to buy certain crystals and gemstones and minerals and others you know are right out in the backyard granite shale slate etc there are places in my state where you can prospect for your own stuff it's kind of like a tour they take you on it but my end goal is to buy my own claim in an area where it's you know fairly rich with the crystals and gemstones that I love the most obviously my state doesn't house every type of Crystal and gemstone known the man but you know the basic what people call basic crystals and gemstones like Court smoky quartz morganite black tourmaline watermelon or lipstick tourmaline I do believe we have amethyst rose quartz there's another one or two that I can't quite remember at the moment but I would love to be able to buy my own claim and just go to town prospecting on it that is my dream

[@melissahemenway565]

Me too!!!

[@jonathanbreedlove4286]

But, you don't love comas.

[@robertfritchey3139]

I have done a lot of prospecting throughout the United States. Found a lot of unusual rocks. I love rocks K used to find a lot of agates.

[@hermit.masteroflight5970]

Excellent video. Thank you so much.

[@altheagray1621]

I really loved this.

[@esterrepolidon1637]

Hi there watching from Zamboanga Philippines 🇵🇭. Very informative.

[@sharonchew2144]

Baking soda is sodium bi-carbonate, it is not calcium carbonate. Limestone, marble and chalk are indeed calcium carbonate. Enjoyed learning more about rocks, thank you!

[@priyankarraha2210]

Really excellent job any beginner as well as for teaching purpose

[@alicealcantara5956]

Great information. I learned many things about rocks. Thans for this nice video

[@larrytischler570]

When I took an engineering course in materials for industry the prof was an X-ray diffraction expert. He put up a slide of rock salt and asked what the structure was and I told him it was halite, common salt. No one else knew what it was. I thought everyone that ever picked up a chemistry book knew that structure.

[@JuanaHernandez-nz3tp]

wooo, thank you!!!!! you guys are great teachers.

[@sple3ns]

Recently discovered soo many cute shiny blue and green rocks on my hike today. They are all weighing like normal small rocks. Some are shiny and some have visible layers in different colours. Some go from a blue, to green, to then dark colours like navy and black. They were from a path and they looked very nice so i just had to grab some for me and my little sister.

[@shalabazertheboltstruck8645]

This is awesome, literally

[@marymorales387]

Thank you for educating me I have been trying to understand you make it easy merry Christmas

[@danieltognoli.6128]

Gracias por Tanta Información ! y muy Bien explicado ! Saludos desde Bariloche Argentina !

[@pamelaheriges3654]

Love these guys.

[@offplanet6882]

Love the name Just subscribed I love all sciences Yes just like Doc. Back to the future

[@juniorgc8]

I just got into rock tumbling I love your video specially the questions towards the end specially when you guys make it interactive and fun

[@tiffanylotus]

I love your information

[@satinbeesade1654]

Love your channel ❤

[@RaynaBArt]

❤ my first time watching your KZbin video! I enjoyed it very much! Thank you for sharing your sharing with us! I live in Arkansas 😊

[@nengthao5618]

I just bought a metal detector and will be out scavenging for metal and looking for gems along the creeks and fields. Thanks for this information!

[@chronicwizardmargol7265]

The poet said " Rocks are the bones of the earth and Crystals the flowers of the kingdom!"

[@willd3rbeast]

Step 1. Smell what it's cooking.

[@stones-gallery]

Thank you for sharing, I am learning about it too!

[@samalbesheo5553]

Thank you guys. Thank you a bunch.

[@zazaza5535]

Looks like the study of rocks attracts a lot of old people. So be it. Being rock-literate opens up a whole new world. So exciting.

[@brendasawatsky2798]

Thank you this video was great!

[@Mariosergio-fj2kq]

Muito bom

[@Vivianne1124]

Excellent. Thank you so much. I learned a lot. Awesome. ❣

[@davidcook8323]

My dad polished rocks. The tumbler works like sand paper. You change the mixture in the tumbler after so many days Goin to a finer grit each time. Eventually the final polish. I've never seen a river rock as polished as one from a tumbler.

[@TheBigbossonly1]

would love to see your banded calcite specimen under uv light, just found your channel i am knowledgeable about minerals but still love your videos

[@ScienceMom]

The book or notes that we refer to in the video are a free download available at science.mom/earthscience​​​​​. If you just want the rock identification flowchart and worksheets, you can get those on our Teachers Pay Teachers page: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rock-Identification-Flowchart-7192916

[@lindarandles2106]

I wish I would have paid attention . My adhd would not alow it . I'm 58 and now fascinated.

[@danajthaha6170]

Would you take a look at my specimens? I think I have space diamond inside of a specimen

[@unitedleagueofgamers3633]

Thanks for the video guys. Super interesting…. Rocks are so cool!

[@martinphilip8998]

The beginning hellos remind me of Romper Room. The tumbling is a long process that involves many steps, changing the grit size as it approaches the glossy look of that tiger eye. I have a vibratory tumbler I use to polish over and other metals.

[@Zia01023]

This is the best vid I've seen on rock identification. Love your flowchart! Wish I could print it... ( :

[@ScienceMom]

You can! It's part of our earth science notes which are free download from our website. There's a link in the description of the video.

[@Zia01023]

@@ScienceMom Thank you so much. ♡

[@sweetfolly9428]

@@ScienceMom I keep getting a 404 message when I try to access the flowchart. Is there another place I might find it?

[@kmagnussen1052]

@@ScienceMom notes dead link

[@ScienceMom]

@@sweetfolly9428 Thanks so much for letting us know! The link is fixed now (the flowchart is page 80 in the PDF file you'll get when you click on "get the notes" on our website). We also put the rock flowchart on our Teachers Pay Teachers page for people who just want the flowchart and not a 100+ page Earth Science ebook: www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rock-Identification-Flowchart-7192916