The deep oceans, the vast deserts, and the high mountains, are just a few of the ways rock emerges and supports life. Geology is the science and study of the earth and its life, especially as recorded in rock . Rock, then, keeps record of the passage of time and the evolution of living things. The word rock refers to solid mineral deposits. Rock is mineral, but not all minerals are rock.
Metal ores found in the earth, like gold and silver, are minerals.
Crystalline substances, like salt and quartz, are minerals. Homogeneous natural substances, like water and gas, are also minerals. Explore the diversity of minerals as preparation for thinking about rock. The alphabetical listing of minerals by name quickly shows how diverse minerals really are. Specimens, on display at The Geology Museum, range from the most common to the extremely rare.