Geology Building

The purpose of the displays in this building is to introduce elementary geology, which is the study of the earth. Rocks are' a combination of two or more minerals and minerals are a combination of elements. There are three basic types of rocks: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. The three types of rocks are displayed in these cases.

In Case I you will find Igneous rocks. Igneous is molten rock that has cooled. There are two categories of igneous rock, intrusive and extrusive.

Intrusive is when the molten rock has cooled slowly inside the earth's crust. Therefore the individual crystals are large and can be seen with the naked eye. This type of rock has a coarse grain. Extrusive is when the magma has pushed it~ way outside of the earth's crust. Because it was exposed it cool'1£ rapidly so the crystals had only a short time to grow and can rarely be seen by the naked eye. These rocks have a fine grain.

In the second case you will find sedimentary rocks. The majority of sedimentary rocks are formed from particles that have been carried by water to new sites and are deposited in layers, 'the largest pieces on the bottom. As these layers build up over time they are pushed together, the water is squeezed out, leaving minerals to cement the rock particles together. Sedimentary rocks can also be formed by chemical reactions. Decayed plant and animals concentrations combine with residues from sea and Lake Water to form layers. These layers are eventually exposed as the water recedes.

There are four types of sedimentary rocks:
Conglomerate - unsorted particles that have been suddenly dumped together.
Sandstone - made of sandgrains - feels rough.
Shale made of clay particles. It is flat, you can see the layers and it will smell like mud if you blow on it.
Limestone - made of calcium carbonate in water. Some limestone is made from fragments while others are formed chemically.

Metamorphic rock is displayed in Case 3. The texture and/or composition of pre-existing rock has been changed by heat and pressure. Metamorphosis occurs underground. Pressure squeezes or bends the rock changing the structure or hot mineral bearing liquids or gases invade a rock. The original minerals are dissolved and new ones form. There are two major groupings of metamorphic rock: Foliated, which means there has been a layering of rock and Nonfoliated. All kinds of rock can be metamorphosed. Example:
Marble was limestone
Slate was shale
Quartzite was sandstone.

TEACHING STATION:

This activity is set up so you can handle the rock specimens. Use the charts and learn how to identify some common rocks.

GEOLOGY ~ PROSPECTING EQUIPMENT: (Cases 4 & 5)
These two cases display geology and prospecting equipment in their early stages of development.

Industrial Minerals: (Case 6)
Industrial rocks and minerals are a very important part of Canada's mineral production. Asbestos, potash, sulphur and coal are some of main ones produced.

ORE DEPOSITS: (Case 7)
An ore deposit can be mined under its present conditions at a profit. This case displays mineral specimens from some important mines and the rock types associated with them.

Metallic Minerals: (Case 8)
This case displays some important metallic minerals. Metallic being one of the categories used to identify a mineral. More than one specimen of the same mineral has been provided, so you can appreciate how the appearance of one mineral can vary.