Web Links

Chapter 2, Rock-Forming Minerals and Rocks

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WebElements is a comprehensive online periodic table database located in South Yorkshire, England at the University of Sheffield. The site also contains geology-specific data for the elements. There are numerous mirror sites for WebElements around the world. One such mirror site is at the University of California, Berkeley.

CHEMystery's Atoms and Molecules page covers atomic theory, molecular compounds, and ionic compounds.

The Mineral and Gemstone Kingdom provides an interactive, educational guide to minerals and gemstones. Includes mineral images.

The Mineral Structures Database includes crystallographic and physical property data for most of the rock-forming minerals.

The Mineral Gallery has lots of information and quality photographs of outstanding mineral samples.

Description and photos of the three main rock types.

Rock Families includes terminology and classification of rocks and a searchable image gallery.

Short, well-illustrated articles from a course on Geology for Engineers at the University of Saskatchewan:

Minerals and Rocks (Earth Materials, Minerals, Silicates, Nonsilicates, Mineral Properties, Major Rock Groups, The Rock Cycle).

Igneous Rocks (Igneous Rock Occurrence, Igneous Rock Classification, Mineralogical Classification).

Sedimentary Rocks (Types of Sediments; Particle Size; Particle Shape; Clastic Sedimentary Rocks; Chemical Sedimentary Rocks; Organic Sedimentary Rocks; Minerals in Sediments; Shale Compaction; Sedimentary Structures; Porosity, Cement, and Plugging).

Metamorphic Rocks (Metamorphic Processes, Metamorphic Rock Classification, Metamorphic Rock Names, Metamorphic Grade, Metamorphic Facies).

W. H. Freeman & Co. and Sumanas, Inc.