Preliminary: Rocks and Minerals

[IdahoSciGuy]

Really? Because I've DEFINITELY been to competitions where there was HCl provided at certain stations.

Here Here! Every single competition that I've competed in doing R&M has provided HCl at some point. However, it really was annoying seeing the samples DRENCHED in acid. I don't know why it gets to me, I guess it's just a pet peeve >.<

[XXGeneration]

Does anyone know any websites for the rocks half of the list? I've been using minerals.net for the minerals section, but it doesn't include pages about rocks.

[quizbowl]

Does anyone know any websites for the rocks half of the list? I've been using minerals.net for the minerals section, but it doesn't include pages about rocks.

Honestly, the field guides are much better for information, but it's true - there aren't many strong rock-oriented websites. Wikipedia is a start for many, but often doesn't go in depth.
Try just searching the rock name on google - example: I searched peridotite and found a website with great information on it, but there was nothing else for other rocks.

[PacificGoldenPlover]

Does anyone know any websites for the rocks half of the list? I've been using minerals.net for the minerals section, but it doesn't include pages about rocks.

The best one I could find was one for igneous rocks, but I agree with Quizbowl that field guides will have more info. I highly recommend Simon and Schuster's.
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/LivingWith/Vo ... rocks.html

[XXGeneration]

Does anyone know any websites for the rocks half of the list? I've been using minerals.net for the minerals section, but it doesn't include pages about rocks.

The best one I could find was one for igneous rocks, but I agree with Quizbowl that field guides will have more info. I highly recommend Simon and Schuster's.
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/LivingWith/Vo ... rocks.html

Thank you; after I posted this I went and asked my brother who did rocks and minerals way in the past, and he gave me his old audubon field guide.

I can say that there is plenty of information in there about all rocks.

[PacificGoldenPlover]

Does anyone know any websites for the rocks half of the list? I've been using minerals.net for the minerals section, but it doesn't include pages about rocks.

The best one I could find was one for igneous rocks, but I agree with Quizbowl that field guides will have more info. I highly recommend Simon and Schuster's.
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/LivingWith/Vo ... rocks.html

Thank you; after I posted this I went and asked my brother who did rocks and minerals way in the past, and he gave me his old audubon field guide.

I can say that there is plenty of information in there about all rocks.

The kit with all the rocks can come in fairly handy also.

[XXGeneration]

The kit with all the rocks can come in fairly handy also.

Could I ask which kit?

[kjhsscioly]

They sell a small kit on the SO store, with several of the rock samples. Also, if you haven't already, your schools geology/environmental department (whoever teaches APES or dynamic earth sciences) probably has all those rocks, so talk to them before you order anything.

[iYOA]

a question about identification: is using pictures to practice id a big no-no? im sure that its much better to use a kit or maybe multiple kits, but are pictures helpful enough?

Also, can we start a rocks and minerals question marathon thread?

[quizbowl]

a question about identification: is using pictures to practice id a big no-no? im sure that its much better to use a kit or maybe multiple kits, but are pictures helpful enough?

Also, can we start a rocks and minerals question marathon thread?

Obviously, IDs are much better practice than pictures. If you only have pictures, it's okay, but try to get samples. Pictures only let you see what they look like - with samples, you can check the specific gravity, the streak, the hardness and other things to help make IDing easier.

[XXGeneration]

a question about identification: is using pictures to practice id a big no-no? im sure that its much better to use a kit or maybe multiple kits, but are pictures helpful enough?

Also, can we start a rocks and minerals question marathon thread?

I second the idea for a rocks and minerals marathon thread!

Pictures definitely can be studied from, but samples are definitely the preferred choice if you have both.

[Kokonilly]

a question about identification: is using pictures to practice id a big no-no? im sure that its much better to use a kit or maybe multiple kits, but are pictures helpful enough?

Also, can we start a rocks and minerals question marathon thread?

I second the idea for a rocks and minerals marathon thread!

Do you mean like the Fossil ID game?

[iYOA]

Im not sure what the fossils id game is but it sounds similar to what i had in mind. For the marathon, i was thinking we could have one person start out with a question. The next person answers it and puts their own question. the process continues...

[Kokonilly]

Im not sure what the fossils id game is but it sounds similar to what i had in mind. For the marathon, i was thinking we could have one person start out with a question. The next person answers it and puts their own question. the process continues...

Ah, yes, sounds excellent. Though I liked the format of the ID games of last year: ID the specimen in question, then answer a few questions about it.

[paleonaps]

I haven't done the slightest bit of studying for this event. My justification: I'm not supposed to be doing it next year.