Rock Identification with Willsey: Intro to rock types and useful ID tips

Curious about some rocks you found? Confused about tuff, sandstone, basalt, and diorite? Geology professor Shawn Willsey launches a new video series on how to identify rocks. We will cover each major group of rocks, showcasing basic types, to help you properly ID your rocks and also interpret their fascinating stories. In this video, we cover the rock cycle, the three main groups, and some helpful tips and tricks for making good observations and interpretations with your rock samples.
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Shawn Willsey
College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Avenue
Twin Falls, ID 83303

[@dennisdye7270]

Thanks for putting this together. I am retired and have time to learn new things and geology has always been an interest, so this will assist with filling in the many voids of knowledge.

[@shawnwillsey]

Awesome. Thanks for watching and learning with me.

[@ryos251]

I'm so upset !! I find geology FASCINATING and I'm upset that I wasted so much of my life not knowing more about geology. Love your channel and I would thrive in your classroom of study .

[@andrews1621]

Thank you I just stumbled here! I got my BS in Geo 13 years ago. Life and trauma pulled me away from geology. Although I do GPR for work, and somehow got 'Geologist' on my business card I dont feel like I get to do a lot of this stuff anymore. A few years ago I was lucky enough to buy a house and start gardening. I began collecting rocks from various sites I work at (ask of course), and in Michigan its glacial erratics so they are all over the place. I have found so many cool things that has rekindled my love and interest in studying this subject. Time has weathered away a lot of my nomenclature and mineral identification etc. So that is why I am here to begin to relearn some of these names and finer characteristics. Funny thing you mentioned that you would rather people be able to tell the story of the rock, and that is pretty much the only thing I have left! It goes exactly as you said I just tell stupid stories about random rocks but dont know what anything is called lol!

[@hestheMaster]

Amazing things about rocks the average person wouldn't necessarily know. Thanks so much for explaining things professor.

[@ORANGERBLU]

I'm completely new to this field, actually stumbled upon your channel by clicking on a title I couldn't translate in my smoothe brain. Haven't looked back and really enjoy the manor in which you teach! Thanks!

[@shawnwillsey]

Welcome aboard. Hope you enjoy the geology field videos as well as the mineral and rock series.

[@loopbraider]

As someone who has more experience with identifying plants than rocks it's been humbling to realize that rocks aren't like distinct 'species' of plants and animals! Other than big general divisions like igneous sedimentary and metamorphic. So much gradation along continuums, and a lot of (to me) complicated crystal identification. Your suggestions and examples about looking at the context etc is very encouraging, as well as general things to look for especially in some of your following videos in this series. And I totally agree that the stories behind how a rock formed are more exciting and important than the name of that particular assemblage of minerals!

[@NewZealandWild]

Hi Shawn. you may recognise my name from many of your volcano livestreams since La Palma. I live on the West Coast of New Zealands South Island, near Greymouth so have experienced a few decent quakes over the years. The geology is fantastic, I'm so lucky. I walk our local beach with a scak a few days each week, and pick up all kinds of amazing rocks. At home I have a rock garden alongside my house with colour coded sections, some are all green serpentine, others are red jasper or pink rose quartz. There are even a few pieces of greenstone tucked in here and there. I've always enjoyed your informative videos, and find them very useful.

[@user-wk1mw9nj3i76]

“Hopefully this will help” : yes! Very interesting, because my knowledge is uneven, so it’s great to cover the basics of ID. On to the next in the series. Thanks!

[@Rockhoundingfool]

I'm learning about geology and all that jazz, thank you sooooo much for this..I'm collecting rocks as of recent and can't stop 😅

[@AzideFox]

What an amazing video, your channel is such a gold mine for someone like me who have just recently gotten into rocks and geology! I have such an urge to go back to school now haha

[@shawnwillsey]

Never quit learning. Good to hear this was helpful.

[@mikebrant192]

REALLY enjoying your videos! I'm retired to a motorhome, and touring the Western US. I'm being exposed to whole new kinds of geological processes, and exposed volcanoes ... everywhere! In one summer, we've probably seen fifty - actually almost certainly more that we didn't recognize. It's been eye-opening.

[@johnblair9506]

A name for this could be “Rocky Story.” Sorry I’m a bit late coming up with this, but I just came across your great program. I am a geologist myself, and I fully agree with your story theme. By the way I actually worked with a petroleum engineer with that name.

[@mindysdad3110]

I'm using your classroom videos on minerals and rocks as part of my daughter's homeschool science work. Thanks a bunch for making it informative and interesting to all ages; I am learning a lot too.

[@shawnwillsey]

Wow, this made me smile. Thanks for sharing and glad these are helpful to folks. They are more or less an extension of the geology classes I teach.

[@sabrina924]

Thank you so much!! amazing video. I'm already waiting for the next one

[@shawnwillsey]

Awesome. Thanks for watching and learning with me.

[@Vivianne1124]

Excellent. I learned a lot. Very detailed. I am very grateful.

[@notinmanitou]

We're really looking forward to the rock series, as we much enjoyed the mineral series. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@shawnwillsey]

You bet! Glad you enjoyed learning with me.

[@MrFmiller]

I’m excited about this series. I know a bit about rocks but there are holes in my knowledge. Additionally some of what I know is antiquated. I will be following your series carefully. I will be sharing with friends and anyone who asks about rocks. There are many. All rocks tell a story. Maybe that is what you should call the series.

[@shawnwillsey]

Great to hear. Thanks for sharing with others. I appreciate it.

[@MrFmiller]

I commented on a recent post on Nick Zentner’s channel about upcoming events noting that your series would complement his material. I left a link.

[@shawnwillsey]

@@MrFmiller Hey thanks so much. Nick has a big audience of great folks so tapping into that is a good idea.

[@stevekolstad4445]

@@shawnwillsey 🙂

[@0321MrsJones]

Thank you for the video. I am interested in learning the story behind the rock more than the names, too. I like your note/outline at the beginning of your videos.

[@shawnwillsey]

Thanks. I appreciate your support.

[@Efamily630]

Thank you for putting all this together..especially what questions to ask and the process to help deduce what type of rock and then its process is very helpful

[@leslyrae6025]

Thank you so much for this video series. I've loved rocks since childhood, (I'm 55 now), but have never gotten too far with identification. This was on my list to learn about. I'm glad I ran into your channel! 😊

[@shawnwillsey]

You are so welcome!

[@222foont]

You have a great teaching style. Your subjects are well considered and effective. I am binge watching all.

[@shawnwillsey]

Great news and so glad you are enjoying them.

[@withwingswefly2455]

Hi Shawn, Your rock type ID videos have been so helpful to a lifelong rockhound! I appreciate that I can study them more than once to let the helpful tips sink in! Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. I enjoy all your videos and yes, I am a Zentnerd, too! 😉

[@shawnwillsey]

Awesome, thank you! Glad they are helpful.

[@Meggligee]

Thanks for another great video! Very well put that it’s not naming or identifying rocks that’s impressive, but knowing which processes created them. Looking forward to your the next video in the series!

[@SpicyTexan64]

It's more impressive to identify it

[@thekambIer]

Thank you for this wonderful series =) I greatly respect and admire your passion for the rocks.

[@shawnwillsey]

Glad you like them!

[@princesseyesparkle]

I am an artist who found a niche in carving and inlaying silver and stone in stone... the information in the last 10 or so videos have been so valuable to me. Thank you for doing this! I feel like I actually know what I am looking at other than cool combinations of colors and veins.. thank you. What a crazy interesting world we live in!

[@princesseyesparkle]

I've been waiting for this one, hearing you talk about doing a video about this in other videos!

[@shawnwillsey]

Great to hear this has helped you with your art work.

[@princesseyesparkle]

I wish I could sit in your class

[@shawnwillsey]

These videos are the next best thing.

[@ThomasEckhardt]

Great introduction, well done, thanks!

[@GeoDude-Steve]

Incredible video, Shawn! Just stumbled upon your channel and immediately subscribed

[@shawnwillsey]

Awesome. Welcome aboard and enjoy the existing videos.

[@3xHermes]

Great Playlist. Thanks Professor!

[@masonamy1999]

Wow someone who has more rocks than me :) Thank you for putting this together. I teach high school and I've lost my voice and I needed someone to talk for me :) you have saved me!

[@shawnwillsey]

Glad it was helpful. Hope you recover quickly.

[@madmaddie4956]

Love your mineral and rock series. Your handouts are great. Is it possible to put the pdf in your site??? THANK YOU for being such a GREAT teacher.

[@shawnwillsey]

Thanks for the kind words. I just added a link under the description to all the rock/mineral videos that will take you to a pdf of the documents I used for each video. Enjoy!

[@stevegabbert9626]

Hi Shawn, I was watching one of your videos about minerals with green and I thought, "I have something like that." (at least I thought it was green.) I looked at my collection, picked it up and realized how heavy it was. "Man, this seems heavier than it should be...I wonder if...." Then I dug up an old speaker magnet, put it up to it and, "SNAP" jumped right on it like it was a refrigerator door. I didn't know what I picked up way back when, I just knew it was different. After a little research, I figured it's magnetite.

[@jayphil2563]

Rock identification may seem like it has no real world use but it can save you money. For instance I was having a home built and they tried downgrading my granite countertops to anorthosite without downgrading the cost. The industry calls everything that isn't marble or quartz a granite and expected me not to know the difference. I have been fascinated by geology since a child and even though I wasn't sure of the name of the stone I knew it wasn't granite. Anorthosite is a great alternative but is only a 5-6 on the mohs scale whereas true granite is a 6-7. It's also not as resistant to stains as granite is so isn't the ideal kitchen countertop that we had agreed to pay for. The builders had to reduce the cost of the build because they couldn't find an equivalent replacement with our original color.

[@shawnwillsey]

Great story. Thanks.

[@bobketteringham4779]

Thank you. This was informative. I hope to see a program on sedimentary rocks soon.

[@shawnwillsey]

Coming soon! Need to finish the igneous rocks first.

[@richardlebardo1222]

Thank you so much Nice video.

[@donnabeaudin9114]

Wonderful educational videos, I’m learning so much. A series on fossils would be awesome!! Perhaps fossils found in different parts of the country? Thank you for this comprehensive lesson.

[@gabrielford3473]

Thank you so much!! I work as an interpretive guide in the park and your videos are very helpful. Lately, I've really been focusing on the geology of the park and surrounding area as I continue to educate myself. Your videos disseminate the information in an easily digestible way for me to understand. I'm up in Livingston, so if you are ever interested in some company on one of your excursions, I'd love to join! I can bring lunch!! If not, no problem. I just enjoy and thank you for your efforts!

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Well done; thanks for posting.

[@helenmacdonald4902]

I'd love an identification of this rock I found beachside in Cuba.

[@HoboMinerals]

I really enjoy your videos, thank you for sharing them!!

[@carolinepotts5448]

This was great = you could have made it twice as long and I would still be fascinated.

[@leechild4655]

Tuff is very talkative if you know what it says. Maybe that big piece of conglomerate has a thing or two to say as well. ;-)

[@Diamondhunter555]

Very nice

[@stephengilchrist6595]

Nice classroom!

[@markmckay375]

Thanks!

[@claytonmehring]

Always great content. Keep up the great work.

[@chrisregpick]

Learning so much. Thank you.

[@FOODsetstheMOOD]

I love this so much! I am such a visual learner and this really made everything really clear. Also I definitely had that test in school! Any chance you can name the rocks that you were holding...?

[@davidk7324]

Very helpful information. Thanks--

[@joesample2176]

Thank you so much for making these great videos.

[@shawnwillsey]

Glad you like them!

[@grishadelacruz7815]

Thanks! Very informative.

[@dee6615]

Sorry , all the state gemstones , if possible . again , thank you for your amazing , in depth work..........

[@Lazris59]

Those maps around the classroom look great. What is the one of the US and many colors portraying? Type of rocks occurring there? Where can I get one to put up in my room? I especially like the one that looks like the elevation. Such a clear contract of the West vs East. That continental divide. I also like that "The West" map. Maps are just so fun and awesome to look at. I have a map of the Pacific Crest Trail in my hallway I always look at when I pass by and one of O'ahu. BTW, this was great. The rock cycle was very insightful and now I know the differences of the 4 types and how one becomes another.

[@shawnwillsey]

Geologic map of US. It’s a bit older. You can probably google a newer copy. The elevation one is a raised relief map.

[@mary-katherinecopeland3974]

Did you know that the lower parts of Az to TX was a Aztec Incan Indian hot spot, I found some here in AZ that have the same yellow paint

[@jayshields9919]

Cheers👍

[@gazzabro55]

17:23 but it is from gas bubbles with that particular rock though?

[@colleendeis928]

LOVEDDD THIS!

[@stevekolstad4445]

thanks for doing your videos. I have been watching geology videos from many sources and yours are very helpful. Being retired and traveling looking at rocks adds so much. I started by watching Nick's geology 101 class. Myron Cook videos are great too. The mystery of how a formation happened is the most interesting and your videos focus on that. The landslide in Yellowstone is something i would never suspected. Boise area (where I live) seems to be in the middle with Idaho mountains, Nevada and Oregon close by but Meridian not that interesting itself. Lake Idaho helps to understand the area. I have six of the roadside geology books. Is there someone in the Geology department you might recommend at BSU?

[@shawnwillsey]

Maybe try Ander Sundell at CWI. He's a great guy and knowledgeable.

[@boblathrop9983]

Is it possible to simulate in a lab the conditions that the minerals and rocks form in?

[@ramonaedwards1627]

These videos are an amazing resource!! I have looked long and hard for a way to learn about rocks and minerals, but these are by far the most thorough and helpful resources that I have found. I am a retired homeschool mom and just want to keep learning! I do have lots of questions on particular rocks that I collect, though. Do you participate in any type of forum or online question/answer site? I am also a macro photographer and would be happy to share my photos with you, granting you permission to use them as desired?

[@shawnwillsey]

I’m doing a livestream Q and A this Friday.

[@ramonaedwards1627]

@@shawnwillsey what time and what time zone are you in? Would love to participate if possible! Thanks!

[@shawnwillsey]

@@ramonaedwards1627 Friday, July 14 at 11am MDT. Hope you can make it.

[@ramonaedwards1627]

@@shawnwillsey thanks! I will be rockhounding, but hope to take a break and join you!

[@headlessspaceman5681]

This rocks.

[@terrywbreedlove]

I found a big rock in the local river. It is green with white veins and pretty smooth surface. Way to big to bring home maybe can chip a piece off to polish. I took and iPhone photo but it doesn’t do the green color any Justice. I sure wish I could identify it. I know we have Jade in the Cascades but this is the Olympic mountain range so who knows.

[@mary-katherinecopeland3974]

You have some beautiful rocks but you also have Indian rocks.. the black one you showed with Lyme stone has a yellow paint similar to the early native Americans

[@lauram9478]

❤❤

[@princesseyesparkle]

Please do a video on fossils!

[@shawnwillsey]

I might do one on common invertebrate fossils. Let me know if you have other ideas. Note I am not a paleontologist.

[@princesseyesparkle]

Coral is what I am finding mostly myself in Ohio and Michigan. "Petoskey" stones and "Charlovoix"... also I have stumbled across a shale outcrop with pyrite nodules. And septarian pyrite with quartz veins... Kinda new to me and I like working with it, but I wish I knew more about it.

[@princesseyesparkle]

Seems to be mostly limestone with quartz. But I know I need to be taught more about how that happens... like petrified wood... what is going on there?

[@princesseyesparkle]

And I am super interested in the different cleavage planes between different minerals. Compared to grains. So pyrite can be a crystal or a concretion. I guess the grains are just tiny square crystals?

[@shawnwillsey]

@@princesseyesparkle Maybe check out the mineral property video I did where I show and discuss cleavage planes in minerals. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYnan6t4Z76Sb80

[@roberttolbert7002]

Rock U?

[@lauram9478]

❤

[@antoniodelrio1292]

Dumb question of the month ... is choral a rock? If not, why not?

[@shawnwillsey]

Not a dumb question at all. Coral is a marine invertebrate organism. It also forms an extensive array of fossils that date back to about 500 million years ago. Coral are reef builders that secrete calcite (calcium carbonate). So, coral is considered a fossil which can be found in rocks, typically limestone.

[@chadjohnson1692]

So there are no real rules that put them into one of the three categories? There are exceptions to everything and a lot of general rules. Why not just eliminate classifying and call them all rocks.

[@shawnwillsey]

Humans make sense of the world by classifying and organizing. Cars, music, movie genres, etc. The three major types of rock isn't a perfect system but it works well.

[@jayneroberts919]

Wow, thank you so much for making these videos. I studied geology many years ago and this is a great refresher.

[@shawnwillsey]

You bet. Thanks for watching and learning with me.

[@jayneroberts919]

You are a very good teacher!

[@shawnwillsey]

@@jayneroberts919 Aw gee. Thanks so much. Always looking to improve.