There are about 3,500 known types of minerals.

Did you know salt is actually a mineral? Not all minerals are gemstones-only rare crystals are gemstones.

There are three rock families; igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks form when magma cools and hardens. Sedimentary minerals form if many small particles stick together. Metamorphic rocks/minerals form when either igneous or sedimentary rocks change from heat and pressure into a different thing. A rock/mineral can be used to figure out Earth’s past. Someone who uses minerals to learn about our planet’s past is called a geologist.

People have many uses for minerals. People made arrowheads and use rocks to help build houses.

Now that you know more about them, you may pay more attention to them. Maybe you’ll even share your knowledge with a friend.