Rock (geology)

In geology, rock or stone is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals or mineraloids. For example, the common rock granite is a combination of the quartz, feldspar and biotite minerals. The Earth's outer solid layer, the lithosphere, is made of rock.

Rocks have been used by mankind throughout history. From the Stone Age, rocks have been used for tools. The minerals and metals found in rocks have been essential to human civilization.

Three major groups of rocks are defined: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The scientific study of rocks is called petrology, which is an essential component of geology.

Classification

At a granular level, rocks are composed of grains of minerals, which, in turn, are homogeneous solids formed from a chemical compound that is arranged in an orderly manner. The aggregate minerals forming the rock are held together by chemical bonds. The types and abundance of minerals in a rock are determined by the manner in which the rock was formed. Many rocks contain silica (SiO2); a compound of silicon and oxygen that forms 74.3% of the Earth's crust. This material forms crystals with other compounds in the rock. The proportion of silica in rocks and minerals is a major factor in determining their name and properties.

Stone (disambiguation)

A stone is a small piece of rock.

Stone or stones may also refer to:

Materials and minerals

  • Gemstone, an attractive mineral used for adornments
  • Dimension stone, stone fabricated to specific sizes or shapes
  • Calculus (medicine), a stone formed in the body, such as kidney stones or gallstones
  • Stoneware, a ceramic ware
  • Peach stone, olive stone, etc.; the shell surrounding a seed in drupe fruits
  • Unit of measurement

  • Stone (unit), a measure of weight formerly used in various European countries and still commonly used in Great Britain and Ireland for measuring human body weight
  • Stone (Chinese weight)
  • Geography

    England

  • Stone, Buckinghamshire
  • Stone, Gloucestershire
  • Kent
  • Stone, Kent
  • Stone in Oxney
  • Stone, Sittingbourne, Kent
  • Stone, Staffordshire
  • Stone, Worcestershire
  • United States

  • Stone, California
  • Stone, Indiana
  • Stone, Kentucky
  • Stone, Wisconsin
  • People

  • Stone (surname), people with the surname Stone
  • Stones (surname), people with the surname Stones
  • Stones (surname)

    Stones is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:

  • Brandon Stones (born 1993), English ice hockey player
  • Craig Stones (born 1980), English footballer
  • David Stones (born 1988), American musician
  • Dwight Stones (born 1953), American high jumper and television commentator
  • John Stones (born 1994), English footballer
  • Margaret Stones (born 1920), Australian botanical illustrator
  • Tad Stones (born c. 1952), American animator, screenwriter, producer and director
  • See also

  • Stone (surname)
  • Podcasts:

    PLAYLIST TIME:

    Latest News for: Valued stones

    Edit

    Game Pass was always good. Now, it’s finally consistent

    Polygon 28 Mar 2025
    And yet this period has been just as consequential for Game Pass; it has, if anything, done even more to demonstrate the value of a Game Pass subscription ... Game Pass has long represented good value ... PC Game Pass is a stone-cold bargain.
    Edit

    Tonasket bids farewell to former police headquarters

    Gazette-Tribune 27 Mar 2025
    The decision to demolish the building was not made lightly, as it held sentimental value for many residents who remember its historical significance. However, while plans have not been set in stone, ...
    Edit

    DEEDS 03-27-25

    The Pioneer News 27 Mar 2025
    Arnold and Brittney Arnold; Lot 215, Ardmore Crossing, Section 1; Quitclaim Deed; $1; fair market value not listed ... 1 is $174,500 and the value of Property No ... Stone; Lot 12, Brentwood Subdivision; Quitclaim Deed; estimated market value $360,000.
    Edit

    Spirit of math beckons golden age of science

    China Daily 26 Mar 2025
    As a result, the value of Olympiad math — commendable in itself but often seen as a "stepping stone for college admissions" — has grown increasingly contentious, leading to its gradual decline in popularity.
    Edit

    Government opens consultation on free trade agreement with India

    RNZ 25 Mar 2025
    In 2024, trade between New Zealand and India was valued at $3.14 billion. New Zealand's key exports to India last year included forestry products valued at $126 million ... Iron and steel exports were valued at $99 million.
    Edit

    What do you know about money? (1)

    B & FT Online 24 Mar 2025
    Money is something generally accepted as a medium of exchange, a measure of value, or a means of payment.” ... What is natural money? By natural money I mean variables like human resources, precious metals, and precious stones.
    Edit

    The world's most expensive healing crystals and their mystical powers

    The Times of India 20 Mar 2025
    While many crystals are accessible, some rare and powerful stones command staggering prices due to their uniqueness, energy, and scarcity ... A powerful stone for harmony, prosperity, and emotional healing.
    Edit

    32 Amazon early spring sale deals you should check out today

    AOL 19 Mar 2025
    Amazon's Spring Deal Days is almost here, and thousands of fantastic early money-saving deals are already available ... £14£22Save £8 ... Tefal 5 Piece Origins Stone ... There's 20 packs of Walkers crisps in this great value box ... Tefal 5 Piece Origins Stone ... .
    Edit

    Embracing Midlife Clarity: A Global Journey to Authentic Living

    GetNews 17 Mar 2025
    She shares strategies to overcome uncertainty, redefine success, and align with your true values through self-reflection, resilience coaching, and goal-setting ... Recognize Your Value ... Reassess Your Core Values.
    Edit

    Arsenal can focus on Real Madrid test as new set-piece routine from Nicolas Jover's playbook pays off

    Yahoo Daily News 16 Mar 2025
    Not many clubs have a mural of their set-piece coach outside the ground but, given their value to Arsenal, it is no surprise there’s one of Jover just a stone’s throw away from Emirates Stadium.
    Edit

    JLA Media & STONE Studio Launch Integrated PR & Design Solutions Offer

    The Maritime Executive 15 Mar 2025
    Having collaborated on numerous projects, we quickly recognised the value for our maritime and offshore clients of combining our strategic PR expertise with STONE Studio’s creative ...
    Edit

    200,000-Year-Old Stone Carvings Found in Marbella, Spain

    Colombia One 14 Mar 2025
    A newly discovered ancient stone with linear engravings at the Coto Correa site in Marbella, Spain ... The site gained official protection in the 1950s when stone tools were accidentally discovered there, proving its historical value.
    Edit

    JLA Media and STONE Studio launch integrated PR and Design Solutions offer in the maritime industry

    gCaptain 13 Mar 2025
    Having collaborated on numerous projects, we quickly recognised the value for our maritime and offshore clients of combining our strategic PR expertise with STONE Studio’s creative strength,” said Debbi Bonner, Managing Director, JLA Media.
    Edit

    Democrats’ Israel betrayal: How the party flipped on its staunchest ally

    New York Post 13 Mar 2025
    As I write in my new book, “The Builder’s Stone. How Jews and Christians Built the West — and Why Only They Can Save It,” Jewish values are at the very heart of Western and American culture ... Melanie Phillips is the author of “The Builder’s Stone.
    Edit

    Rising Recording Artist Zach Carney Releases Heartfelt New EP “Lucky Enough”

    GetNews 13 Mar 2025
    Produced by Derek Hames at Edgewater Studios, “Lucky Enough” delivers an authentic soul pop sound while maintaining modern production value. Track Listing.. 1. Lucky Enough. 2. Fever. 3. Another Midnight. 4. Set In Stone. 5 ... About Zach Carney ... Email.
    ×