The distinction between rocks and minerals :
Rock |
Minerals |
1. They are solid materials that make up earth’s crust. |
1. They are solid and crystalline materials that make the rocks. |
2. Rocks have physical properties but do not have any definite chemical make-up. |
2. They have physical properties and chemical make-up. |
3. Rocks differ from each other on the basis of mineral content arid mode of formation. |
3. Minerals differ from each other on the basis of elements or compounds of which they are constituted. |
4. Based on formation, rocks can be divided into 3 main groups: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. |
4. Based on formation there are above 2000 minerals that combine in different ways .to form rocks. |