TECH CUT Rocks and Minerals

MILKY QUARTZ | One of the most abundant minerals on Earth. The tightly packed framework of silica tetrahedral that makes up this mineral gives it ...

MILKY QUARTZ | One of the most abundant minerals on Earth. The tightly packed framework of silica tetrahedral that makes up this mineral gives it ...

MUSCOVITE MICA | Muscovite mica is a mineral that forms from cooling magma. It forms in thin sheets that are individually weak, but comprehensivel...

MUSCOVITE MICA | Muscovite mica is a mineral that forms from cooling magma. It forms in thin sheets that are individually weak, but comprehensivel...

Raw Obsidian SpecimenSingle Sample, 1" OBSIDIAN | Obsidian, also known as volcanic glass, forms from lava that cools almost immediately upon eru...

OBSIDIAN | Obsidian, also known as volcanic glass, forms from lava that cools almost immediately upon eruption, usually into water GREAT FOR GEOLO...

OLIVINE | Much of the earth's surface is covered in oceanic crust, of which olivine is a major component. With the highest crystallization tempera...

OLIVINE | Much of the earth's surface is covered in oceanic crust, of which olivine is a major component. With the highest crystallization tempera...

PORPHYRITIC GRANITE | Granite forms slowly in shallow or evolved magma chambers, and is also commonly found as magmatic intrusions in the crust. T...

PORPHYRITIC GRANITE | Granite forms slowly in shallow or evolved magma chambers, and is also commonly found as magmatic intrusions in the crust. T...

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...

PYRITE | Pyrite forms as hot water flows through fractures in subsurface rock. This deposition method allows pyrite to replace other minerals or f...

PYRITE | Pyrite forms as hot water flows through fractures in subsurface rock. This deposition method allows pyrite to replace other minerals or f...

QUARTZ | One of the most abundant minerals on Earth. The tightly packed framework of silica tetrahedral that makes up this mineral gives it a high...

QUARTZ | One of the most abundant minerals on Earth. The tightly packed framework of silica tetrahedral that makes up this mineral gives it a high...

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...

RED SANDSTONE | Sandstone is made up of well-sorted and well-rounded grains of quartz. This indicates that the clasts in the rocks have traveled a...

RED SANDSTONE | Sandstone is made up of well-sorted and well-rounded grains of quartz. This indicates that the clasts in the rocks have traveled a...

SCORIA | Scoria forms as spatter from bubbly, mafic lava is thrown into the air and cooled quickly. The crystallization happens so quickly that la...

SCORIA | Scoria forms as spatter from bubbly, mafic lava is thrown into the air and cooled quickly. The crystallization happens so quickly that la...

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...

HEMATITE | This specular variety of hematite takes the form of tiny, sparkling iron oxide crystals GREAT FOR GEOLOGY CLASSROOMS | Perfect for demo...

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...

SOAPSTONE | Through the process of metasomatism, hot fluid infiltrates the atomic structure of other silicate minerals, altering them to form soap...

SOAPSTONE | Through the process of metasomatism, hot fluid infiltrates the atomic structure of other silicate minerals, altering them to form soap...

Albite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Used as a hardness standard of 6, and exhibits two planes of cleavage Perfect size for use in classro...

Albite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Used as a hardness standard of 6, and exhibits two planes of cleavage Perfect size for use in classro...

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...

GARNET | Garnet comes in a variety of colors & shapes - this specimen is a deep red color. Garnet forms under intense heat and pressure condit...

GARNET | Garnet comes in a variety of colors & shapes - this specimen is a deep red color. Garnet forms under intense heat and pressure condit...

Limonite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Rusty color indicative of ongoing oxidation Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs a...

Limonite sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Rusty color indicative of ongoing oxidation Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs a...

LODESTONE | This naturally magnetized mineral creates it's own magnetic field and can pick up small metal objects. Iron particles cover its surfac...

LODESTONE | This naturally magnetized mineral creates it's own magnetic field and can pick up small metal objects. Iron particles cover its surfac...

Oligoclase sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Standard hardness of 6, exhibits two planes of cleavage Perfect size for use in classroom identif...

Oligoclase sample approximately 1" (3cm) in size Standard hardness of 6, exhibits two planes of cleavage Perfect size for use in classroom identif...

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