Everyday Uses

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Uses of Rocks & Minerals

Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without rocks? You may not know it, but if we took all the rocks away, we would have a miserable life. We use rocks for roads, metals, jewelry, tombstones, building materials, cosmetics, and many, many more things. Most of the famous sculptures of the world are made from blocks of stones such as granite and marble. Did you know that the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal are made out of rocks? We also collect rocks as a hobby. If we did not have rocks, this earth would be pretty empty. Who wants an empty earth? Not me!

ACTIVITY:

Your task is to find out about ONE rock or mineral and how we use it. Open your worksheet first. You can use some of the sites below or do a search using keywords such as: "uses of rocks and minerals". Prepare a quick presentation (2-3 minutes) for the class. Have a sample of the rock or mineral and what the finished product is!

Common Minerals and their Uses

bulletMineral Information Institute 
This site has photos of minerals and information on common minerals and their uses.
bulletWhat each person in North America uses in a lifetime
According to the Mineral Information Institute, it is estimated that in a lifetime, a person living in North America will use up
bulletlead - 365 kg
bulletaluminum - 1633 kg
bulletzinc - 340 kg
bullet iron - 14 863 kg
bulletcopper - 680 kg
bulletclays - 12 068 kg
bulletsalt - 12 824 kg (because of all of that road salt during our cold winters!)
bulletstone, sand, gravel & cement - 562-773 kg
bullet Fun Facts about Minerals and Rocks 
bullet Common Minerals and Their Uses 
bullet Elements in Rocks & Everyday Things 
bullet Be a High Street Rock Hound 

 

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The Importance of Rocks and Minerals

Name

Type of Rock

Use

Basalt

Igneous

Used in road building
materials

Calcite

Mineral

Used in cements and mortars and the production of lime

Granite

Igneous

Used for buildings, monuments, and tombstones

Marble

Metamorphic

Used in building, floors, tile in bathrooms

Obsidian

Igneous

Used in making arrowheads and knives

Pumice

Igneous

Used in scouring, scrubbing, and polishing materials

Quartz

Mineral

Used in making glass, electrical components, and optical lenses

Sandstone

Sedimentary

Used in the building
industry for houses

Slate

Metamorphic

Used for roofs, chalkboards, and patio walks