Rocks And Minerals Differences And Similarities

Rocks and minerals are both geological substances found throughout the world.

Rocks and minerals differences and similarities.

Although there may be many differences between rocks and minerals there are only a few similarities between them. A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly internal structure and characteristic chemical composition crystal form and physical properties. Common minerals include quartz feldspar mica amphibole olivine and calcite a rock is an aggregate of one or more minerals or a body of undifferentiated mineral matter. Both mineral and rocks can be used as raw material in production of useful household and industrial products.

Although there may be many differences between rocks and minerals there are only a few similarities between them. A main determining factor in the formation of minerals in a rock mass is the chemical composition of the mass for a certain mineral can be formed only when the necessary elements are present in the rock. Rocks are generally made of two or more minerals. Rocks as well as minerals are found in the earth s crust the outer layer of the earth.

Both minerals and rocks are either found or mined. Similarities between minerals and rocks. Another similarity between the two is that rocks as well as minerals both have commercial value. Rocks as well as minerals are found in the earth s crust the outer layer of the earth.

Check out the mineral vs rock comparison table below to get a clear image of the two substances. They occur on every continent and coexist on many natural earth surfaces. Petrology is the scientific study of rocks while the the study of minerals is called mineralogy. But they also have several key differences ranging from aesthetics to physical and chemical composition which make them distinct from each other.

Both mineral and rocks have great cultural commercial and social value. Another similarity between the two is that rocks as well as minerals both have commercial value.