TECH CUT Rocks and Minerals

Amphibolite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Formed from further pressure and thermal alteration of hornblende, fusing and foliating ...

Twelve amphibolite samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Formed from further pressure and thermal alteration of hornblende, fusing and fo...

Argillaceous shale sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Small clast size indicates deposition in a low-energy environment such as a shallow lake ...

Pack of 12 Argillaceous shale samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Small clast size indicates deposition in a low-energy environment such as a s...

Arkose sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Small, angular grains indicate deposition in an ephemeral river system near to the clast sour...

Twelve arkose samples approximately 1" (3cm) I size Small, angular grains indicate deposition in an ephemeral river system near to the cla...

Augen gneiss sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Ideal for students learning about differential stresses and foliation in metamorphic ro...

Twelve augen gneiss samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Ideal for students learning about differential stresses and foliation in metamo...

AUGITE | A common rock-forming pyroxene mineral that forms as magma is cooling. It is an imperative sample for lessons on Bowen's reaction series ...

AUGITE | A common rock-forming pyroxene mineral that forms as magma is cooling. It is an imperative sample for lessons on Bowen's reaction series ...

BASALT | Basalt makes up a large majority of the earth's oceanic crust. Formed quickly from a magma that is rich in iron, basalt exhibits a dark c...

BASALT | Basalt makes up a large majority of the earth's oceanic crust. Formed quickly from a magma that is rich in iron, basalt exhibits a dark c...

BIOTITE GNEISS | This foliated metamorphic rock usually forms at convergent plate boundaries, and recrystallizes with immense heat and pressure GR...

BIOTITE GNEISS | This foliated metamorphic rock usually forms at convergent plate boundaries, and recrystallizes with immense heat and pressure GR...

BITUMINOUS COAL | Coal is formed within anoxic environments from compressed organic matter, and a worldwide source of fuel. Its vitreous sheen mak...

BITUMINOUS COAL | Coal is formed within anoxic environments from compressed organic matter, and a worldwide source of fuel. Its vitreous sheen mak...

CARBONACEOUS SHALE | Shale is formed from the cementation and lithification of very small grains of rock, commonly mud or clay. The black color of...

CARBONACEOUS SHALE | Shale is formed from the cementation and lithification of very small grains of rock, commonly mud or clay. The black color of...

DIORITE | The minerals within diorite can be readily identified due to their large size, and by comparing the relative abundance of each mineral, ...

DIORITE | The minerals within diorite can be readily identified due to their large size, and by comparing the relative abundance of each mineral, ...

FINE WHITE MARBLE | Formed from limestone, this high pressure, low heat alteration leads to a large crystalline rock. Heavily mined for architectu...

FINE WHITE MARBLE | Formed from limestone, this high pressure, low heat alteration leads to a large crystalline rock. Heavily mined for architectu...

GABBRO | Gabbro is formed within magma chambers, deep within the earth. The chambers hold iron-rich rock melt, too heavy to reach the surface. As ...

GABBRO | Gabbro is formed within magma chambers, deep within the earth. The chambers hold iron-rich rock melt, too heavy to reach the surface. As ...

GYPSUM | A sulfate mineral that often forms from evaporating lakes in what is known as an evaporite deposit. Crystals grow into soft, wide sheets,...

GYPSUM | A sulfate mineral that often forms from evaporating lakes in what is known as an evaporite deposit. Crystals grow into soft, wide sheets,...

HORNBLENDE | Hornblende is part of a group of minerals known as amphiboles. These minerals are chemically and structurally similar to pyroxenes, b...

HORNBLENDE | Hornblende is part of a group of minerals known as amphiboles. These minerals are chemically and structurally similar to pyroxenes, b...

Hornfels sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Formed at the baked contact between an intruding igneous body and the surrounding rock ...

Hornfels sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Formed at the baked contact between an intruding igneous body and the surrounding rock ...

PUMICE | Pumice is formed from the frothy lava that a volcanic explosion creates. As the frothy lava cools, it hardens as a light weight rock that...

PUMICE | Pumice is formed from the frothy lava that a volcanic explosion creates. As the frothy lava cools, it hardens as a light weight rock that...

Quartzite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size The further compaction of sandstone's sturdy silicate framework makes quartzite one of the...

Twelve quartzite samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size The further compaction of sandstone's sturdy silicate framework makes quartzite on...

Siltstone sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Clastic sedimentary rock made up of fine silt particles Perfect size for use in classr...

Twelve siltstone samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Clastic sedimentary rock made up of fine silt particles Perfect size for use i...

SLATE | Slate is the result of the compression of shale, but is denser and retains the fissile properties, making for an interesting exercise when...

SLATE | Slate is the result of the compression of shale, but is denser and retains the fissile properties, making for an interesting exercise when...

SULFUR | Sulfur is a popular mineral that forms as a soft precipitate near volcanic vents and springs. This bright yellow mineral has a distinct s...

SULFUR | Sulfur is a popular mineral that forms as a soft precipitate near volcanic vents and springs. This bright yellow mineral has a distinct s...

CHLORITE | Chlorite is a metamorphic mineral that has undergone light alteration. During metasomatism, phyllosilicate minerals may become hydrated...

CHLORITE | Chlorite is a metamorphic mineral that has undergone light alteration. During metasomatism, phyllosilicate minerals may become hydrated...

COQUINA | Composed of bone and shell fragments, coquina is nearly 100% fossil matter. Held together by a carbonate cement, this skeletal mass form...

COQUINA | Composed of bone and shell fragments, coquina is nearly 100% fossil matter. Held together by a carbonate cement, this skeletal mass form...

DOLOSTONE | Composed primarily of carbonate material, dolostone is a more stalwart rock than its chemical cousin, limestone. It is often mined fo...

DOLOSTONE | Composed primarily of carbonate material, dolostone is a more stalwart rock than its chemical cousin, limestone. It is often mined fo...

Syenite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Igneous rock comprised primarily of feldspar Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs a...

Syenite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Igneous rock comprised primarily of feldspar Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs a...