Education Geology

This naturally magnetized mineral creates it's own magnetic field and can pick up small metal objects. Iron particles cover its surface. As an iron oxide, lodestone has a characteristic black color, and may feature rusty patches of yellow or orange An excellent introductory mineral, and useful in...

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone. The high-pressure, low-heat alteration leads to a massive crystalline rock that can form a variety of shapes. Marble is mined heavily for use in buildings and furniture, and has traditionally been used in architecture as well. Though much denser...

Travertine is a carbonate rock formed from gushing hot springs. The airy, porous material indicates an abundance of air bubbles moving through the rock as it solidified. While this characteristic is normally reserved for igneous rocks, travertine is unique in that it forms as a result of rapidly...

Pack of 12 Hornblende samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Useful for students to study as an example of two-plane, non-perpendicular cleavage Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements Ideal for use...

Scoria forms as spatter from bubbly, mafic lava is thrown into the air and cooled quickly. The crystallization happens so quickly that large air pockets are trapped within the rock, often giving samples a jagged, sharp appearance A good example of pyroclastic material. Can be used in a variety of...

Includes twelve streak plates. Great for group activities Used to determine a mineral's color in powder form, or to identify the mineral content of a rock. Great for geology and earth science classrooms Streak plates can be cleaned and reused again and again Each plate is made of unglazed porcelain...

The large, angular clasts in breccia make it possible to confidently ascertain the depositional history of the rock Ideal for identification & classification exercises. This contrasts well with conglomerate, a very similar rock with clasts that have traveled a long ways from their provenance. This...

Pack of 12 Siltstone samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Clastic sedimentary rock made up of fine silt particles Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements Good sample for use in identifying...

Pack of 12 Sphalerite samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Often mined as a zinc ore Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements Sphalerite sometimes exhibits triboluminescence, meaning it will glow...

A fun introduction to the world of geology through metamorphic rocks! Metamorphic rocks were once another type of rock but have been transformed through high heat and pressure. Each Tech Cut specimen is selected and hand processed, ensuring each sample exhibits defining features. Set includes twelve...

Though similar to calcite, the inclusion of magnesium in the chemistry of Dolomite makes it a more robust & stable mineral Ideal for learning about physical and chemical properties. Great for having students compare with calcite - a challenging but beneficial exercise. This set of twelve samples is...

Complete kit includes nine mineral samples and testing tools A fun way to explore the variety of techniques that geologists use to identify rocks and minerals Test mineral hardness, streak color, magnetic properties, appearance, and effervescence to identify different minerals and mineral content...

Phyllite is a good example of low-grade metamorphism from an easily recognizable parent rock. The fissile property of slate is retained, but has attained a glossy sheen and soapy feel more indicative of metamorphic material Ideal for identification & classification exercises. Demonstrates...

Anthracite coal is bright and reflective, indicative of the intense heat and pressure required to form it. Anthracite coal often has a favorable purity ratio, containing mostly organic material and relatively few impurities Ideal for identification & classification exercises. Allows students can get...

This foliated metamorphic rock usually forms at convergent plate boundaries, and recrystallizes with immense heat and pressure Excellent for students learning about differential stresses and foliation in metamorphic rocks. This set of twelve samples is excellent for group study and examination Each...

Pack of 12 Gypsum samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Great for learning about mineral hardness - gypsum is soft enough to be scratched by a fingernail Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements...