Slightly weathered specimens of a mineral may have a lower hardness than that of a fresh specimen, or contain other elements diluting the effect of acid on the mineral. The correct identification of a rock or mineral is not the goal of the Earth Materials activities for elementary students. Mock Rocks Rocks can be taken apart into their components. Rocks exhibit a variety of properties, including shape, size,texture, and color. Settling or layering of materials in water can be used to separate Earth materials.
Crystals form from the evaporation of a saltwater mixture.
Rocks are composed of Earth materials called minerals that cannot be physically broken apart any further. Calcite Quest Calcite is a mineral that fizzes when placed in acid. Minerals have different properties. Take It For Granite Rocks are made of minerals. The rock granite is made up of quartz, feldspar, mica, and dark minerals such as hornblende.