Learn what a mineral is in geology and other sciences. Get the mineral definition and examples and learn about mineral properties and types.
Geology
Learn about the types of lava including the forms of lava flow (pahoehoe and a'a) and the chemical composition based on silica content.
Types of Lava – Pahoehoe and A’a
Learn about sea glass and beach glass. See how they form, the colors and their rarity, and how to tumble glass yourself.
Sea Glass and Beach Glass
Learn the difference between gems and minerals. See examples of gemstones and their minerals. Explore precious and semiprecious gems.
Gem vs Mineral – Difference Between Gemstones and Minerals
Learn the difference between rocks and minerals. Get their definitions and examples and also learn about mineraloids.
What Is the Difference Between Rocks and Minerals?
Learn about the 5 main layers of the atmosphere and also the sublayers. See the height, temperature, and composition of the layers.
Layers of the Atmosphere
Learn about the Mohs hardness scale and see how diamond, fingernail, and other materials rank. See examples of mineral hardness values.
Mohs Hardness Scale
Learn the difference between zircon and cubic zirconia and how to tell them apart as gemstones for jewelry.
Zircon vs Cubic Zirconia
Learn about blue lava. Find out if it's real, how it works, and where to see it. Can't make the trip? Make a blue lava lamp instead.