Learn what a mineral is in geology and other sciences. Get the mineral definition and examples and learn about mineral properties and types. What Is a Mineral? Definition and Examples Recently updated ! This entry was posted on January 29, 2023 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on February 5, 2023)
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 This entry was posted on October 26, 2022 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on October 30, 2022)
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 This entry was posted on July 12, 2022 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on July 18, 2022)
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 This entry was posted on June 11, 2022 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 29, 2023)
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? This entry was posted on May 28, 2022 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 29, 2023)
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 This entry was posted on May 3, 2022 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on May 12, 2022)
Learn about the Mohs hardness scale and see how diamond, fingernail, and other materials rank. See examples of mineral hardness values. Mohs Hardness Scale This entry was posted on March 6, 2022 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 29, 2023)
Learn the difference between zircon and cubic zirconia and how to tell them apart as gemstones for jewelry. Zircon vs Cubic Zirconia This entry was posted on February 26, 2022 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 29, 2023)
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. Blue Lava Volcano This entry was posted on January 4, 2022 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on October 26, 2022)