Andesite features abundant phenocrysts in a fine grained matrix, and offers a great demonstration of igneous porphyry Ideal for identification & classification exercises. Andesite is an excellent example of porphyry in igneous rocks. The fine-grained felsic matrix contains larger, identifiable…

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…

A fun introduction to the world of geology through sedimentary rocks! Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition and compression of particles of other rocks and minerals. Each Tech Cut specimen is selected and hand processed, ensuring each sample exhibits defining features. Set includes…

Magnetite forms as an accessory mineral from an igneous melt. As it cools, the iron in its atomic structure becomes magnetized Magnetite's attraction to magnets and distinctive black streak make it an excellent tool for identification exercises. This set of twelve samples is excellent for group…

Apatite is one of the few common phosphate minerals. While often found as an accessory mineral in igneous rock, it is also found as concretions or detrital clasts in sedimentary rocks With a standard Mohs hardness of 5, and it's relatively uncommon crystal habit, Apatite is excellent for…

From the same family as fool's gold, Chalcopyrite is a yellow crystalline mineral consisting of a sulfide of copper and iron. It is the principal ore of copper formed in hydrothermal veins Chalcopyrite's formation exhibits fracture and has a brassy luster which make it an excellent tool for…

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…

Labradorite is a variety of plagioclase feldspar, intermediate between anorthite and albite. Notable about this species of feldspar is its potential for iridescence Ideal for identification & classification exercises. Samples with clean crystal faces, when exposed to light, have a tendency to…

Slate is very lightly metamorphosed and well-foliated. This appearance often makes it difficult to distinguish from its parent rock, shale. The two can be told apart by the difference in pitch when struck Ideal for identification & classification exercises. Slate is perfect for lessons on…

Set of 6 3-D manipulatives for demonstrating normal faulting, reverse (thrust) faulting and horizontal faulting. Set is provided with an access code to download interactive Teacher and Student Guides, videos, geoinformation data sets, and other resource information.

Basalt makes up a large majority of the earth's oceanic crust. Formed quickly from a magma that is rich in iron, basalt exhibits a dark color and small crystal size The perfect example of an aphanitic igneous rock. Useful for lessons in igneous rock classification and identification. This set of…

The rock cycle explains how different types of rocks relate to one another. This kit includes twelve different rocks which represent the types of rocks that are formed during the rock cycle. Packaged in a box with substantial protective padding for each individual rock to preserve specimens The…

Through the process of metasomatism, hot fluid infiltrates the atomic structure of other silicate minerals, altering them to form talc. Talc is at the bottom of the Mohs scale of hardness, and has a distinct soapy feel Ideal for identification & classification exercises. A great example for…

Concrete is a versatile and widely-used construction material composed of a mixture of cement, water, aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone), and sometimes additives or admixtures. Its exceptional strength and durability make it a preferred choice for a variety of construction…

Coal is formed within anoxic environments from compressed organic matter, and a worldwide source of fuel. Its vitreous sheen makes Bituminous Coal easy to distinguish from other coals and sedimentary rocks Allows students to get a close up look at a material that powers the world. Excellent for…

When clay- and aluminum-rich rock is altered by water from geothermal systems, serpentinite is liable to form. Often found in low-grade metamorphic areas, serpentinite is composed of hydrated silicate minerals, particularly phyllosilicates Ideal for identification & classification exercises.…

Muscovite mica is a mineral that forms from cooling magma. It forms in thin sheets that are individually weak, but comprehensively strong. Mica is a major component in a plethora of different rocks, including igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks Mica's thin and layered structure is perfect…

Gabbro is formed within magma chambers, deep within the earth. The chambers hold iron-rich rock melt, too heavy to reach the surface. As the melt cools, olivine and plagioclase feldspar forms A great example of phaneritic mafic rock. Useful for exercises in identification and classification of…

One of the most common minerals in the earth's crust, feldspar has a variety of physical properties that make it a quintessential mineral to study. It distinctly shows two planes of cleavage & is part of Bowen's reaction series Great for lessons in hardness, cleavage, and crystallization…

Pack of 12 Sulfur samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Great for students learning about streak tests - sulfur leaves an unexpected white streak Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements Ideal…

Granite forms slowly in shallow or evolved magma chambers, and is also commonly found as magmatic intrusions in the crust. The large crystals are indicative of a slow cooling rate, and make mineral identification simple A must-have sample when discussing rock types, the rock cycle, and the…

Pack of 12 Diorite samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Presence of both mafic and felsic minerals make diorite a perfect example of intermediate igneous chemistry Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence…

Formed from limestone, this high pressure, low heat alteration leads to a large crystalline rock. Heavily mined for architecture, marble is also used for buildings and furniture While denser than limestone, marble is still effervesce in acid, making this metamorphic rock useful in identification…

This rock formed at the bottom of a marine environment through the compaction of deceased organic matter in a clay or silt cement Ideal for identification & classification exercises, for studying fossils within whole rocks and sedimentary rocks. This set of six samples is excellent for group study…

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…

Galena grows in beautiful metallic cubes. Often refined as lead ore, galena can also be used to teach students about a mineral's luster, streak, and cleavage. Because of the lead in the chemical formula, it is much denser than other minerals, which makes it seem unnaturally heavy for its size …

Pack of 12 Oligoclase samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Standard hardness of 6, exhibits two planes of cleavage Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements Feldspar with high levels of sodium …

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 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 …

Pack of 12 Pegmatite samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Igneous rock containing a large variety of crystal sizes Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements Pegmatite indicates two different…

Pack of 12 Limonite samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Rusty color indicative of ongoing oxidation Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements Also known as goethite Specimens come in clear,…

Pack of 12 Corundum samples approximately 1" (3cm) in size Great for studying mineral hardness and crystal habit - only diamond is harder! Perfect size for use in classroom identification labs and exercises, correlates well to Next Generation Science Standards Evidence Statements Ideal for…