Science Common Sense

1125 - What are the differences between rocks and minerals?

Rocks and minerals are two related but different things.

Rocks: A rock is a mixture of different minerals stuck together. Just like how you can mix different colors of paint to make a new color, rocks are mixtures of different minerals. Rocks can be big or small and come in different shapes and colors.

Minerals: A mineral is a single type of substance that is made up of tiny particles called atoms. Minerals have their own special properties, like color, shape, and texture. Examples of minerals include things like salt, quartz, and diamonds.

Think of it like a cake. Rocks are like the whole cake, and minerals are like the individual ingredients, like flour or sugar. Just as a cake is made up of many ingredients, rocks are made up of many minerals.