Resources used to create this field guide:

Wooley, A. Usborne Spotter’s Guide: Rocks & Minerals. (1996).

Shaffer, P & Zim, H. Rocks and Minerals. (1957).

Special thanks to Ms. Shelley Gerrard for helping us to make more specific identifications of our rock samples.

Contact Us

Mrs. Cardinal’s Grade 3 Class, Rm 109

Kinuso School

Box 180Kinuso, AB T0G 1K0

Phone: (780) 775-3694Email: jcardinal@hpsd.caWeb: http://www.kin.hpsd48.ab.ca/pages/Kinuso_School

Kinuso School

Box 180Kinuso, AB T0G 1K0

Grade 3RocksField Guide

KINUSO SCHOOLGrade 3 Geologist’s Name:

Table of Contents

Types of Rocks....................................................................1-2

Minerals......................................................................................3

Rock Texture............................................................................3

Glossary........................................................................................................................4

Use the glossary to find the definitions of any words that are typed in bold black letters.

GLOSSARYUse the glossary to find the definitions of any words that are typed in bold black letters.

IndentsIronLustreParticlesRustSiltTexture

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Rock texture:Why is my rock smooth or rough?

Smooth-Grained Surface

The rock feels:

- smooth , like polished wood.

- you can not feel the particles.

- you need a magnifying glass to see the particles.

Fine-Grained Surface

The rock feels:

- slightly rough, like wallpaper, construction paper or jeans.

- you can see the particles without a magnifying glass.

Coarse-Grained Surface

The rock feels:

- very rough, like sandpaper.

- you can see particles that look like grains of sand.

Types of Rocks found in theLesser Slave Lake region

Mudstone

Mudstone is formed in the deeper parts of lakes by the hardening of fine mud. It is often grey or brown unless another mineral is present. Mudstone often has an earthy, dull lustre. Because the particles are closer together, the texture is smoother than siltstone or sandstone.

Siltstone

Siltstone is formed by compressed silt. Most siltstone is formed in a lake by silt carried there by rivers. It is often pale to dark grey or beige unless another mineral is present. Siltstone often has a dull, earthy lustre. It may have ripple marks or tiny indents caused by rain prints that hit the surface as the rock formed.

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Types of Rocks found in theLesser Slave Lake region

Sandstone

Sandstone is formed by grains of sand held together by silica or calcite. Sandstone is formed in lakes from the sand carried in by rivers. Sandstone is usually grey, brown or beige unless another mineral is present. It often forms in layers. Sometimes, ripple marks from the water or wind can be seen on the surface. The lustre of sandstone is often dull or earthy. Because the particles of sandstone are larger, sandstone has a rougher texture. The texture of sandstone is similar to that of sandpaper.

Minerals that changethe rock’s colour

Hematite

Hematite is an important source of iron. It is widespread in sedimentary rocks. When a rock contains hematite, the colour will be more red or rust coloured.

Pyrite

Pyrite is another component of iron. Pyrite is often called “fool’s gold”. When a rock contains pyrite, there will be yellow or orange streaks.

Quartz

Quartz is the main component of sand. It is a six-sided crystal that is often white and sparkly. When a rock contains quartz, it will often be white or lighter-coloured. Also, there will be tiny pieces of quartz that glint on the surface of the rock.

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Rock Identification Flow Chart

Texture

smooth-grained Mudstone

fine-grained Siltstone

coarse-grained Sandstone