Learn about the properties of different rocks and minerals in this kit containing more than 80 specimens from around the world. With this kit, you can examine rocks and minerals at up to 250x magnification using a USB 2.0 digital microscope and observe some minerals change color under a blacklight.
*Two kits available
Age Range
8+ | 2nd Grade+
Contents
- 3 Books:
- DK Smithsonian: The Rock and Gem Book: And Other Treasures of the Natural World – Dan Green
- DK Smithsonian: Rocks and Minerals: The World in Your Hands – Ronald Louis Bonewitz
- Let's Go Rock Collecting – Roma Gans and Holly Keller
- Rocks & Minerals Earth Science Collection, 75 specimens
- Fluorescent Mineral Kit
- Tektite stone sample
- Geode samples
- USB 2.0 digital microscope (requires computer with software installed)
- Rock and Mineral Game Set by National Geographic
Rocks & Minerals Earth Science Collection, 75 specimens
The Earth Science rock collection of 75 number-coded, unmounted specimens is a valuable tool for demonstrating physical properties, major rock-forming minerals & more. This kit is recommended for ages 8+
- 75 number-coded, unmounted specimens 3/4" - 1" in size
- Compartmented storage box
- 9 of the 10 hardness levels from the Mohs scale (all but diamond)
- Streak plate
- Magnet
- Magnifier
- Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones: an Introductory Study Guide by James S. Kernaghan – 16-page guide including:
- basic rock identification information on many of the specimens inside this mineral kit
- charts explaining the rock cycle and the classification of the three rock t
Rocks and minerals typically included in this set:
- Minerals in the Scale of Hardness: Talc, Gypsum, Calcite, Fluorite, Apatite - Triphyllite, Feldspar, Quartz, Beryl - Topaz, Corundum
- Streak, Luster, Cleavage, Fracture, Specific Gravity: Feldspar - Microcline, Galena, Chalcopyrite, Magnetite, Magnetite- Lodestone, Hematite, Gypsum - Satin Spar, Limonite, Halite, Sphalerite, Barite, Obsidian, Pyrite
- Rock Forming Minerals: Mica - Muscovite, Mica - Biotite, Calcite, Dolomite, Amphibole - Hornblende, Feldspar - Plagioclase, Kaolinite, Olivine, Pyroxene - Augite, Garnet
- Ores of Metals and Nonmetals: Sulfur, Graphite, Kyanite, Vermiculite, Bauxite, Pyrolusite, Malachite
- Igneous Rocks: Pumice, Scoria, Basalt, Felsite - Rhyolite, Granite, Pegmatite, Syenite, Diorite, Basalt Porphyry, Gabbro, Trachyte Porphyry, Pitchstone, Andesite
- Sedimentary Rocks: Arkose, Sandstone, Fossil Limestone, Bituminous Coal, Oolitic Limestone, Compact Limestone, Chalk, Limestone, Travertine, Conglomerate, Shale, Oolite, Oil Shale, Red Sandstone
- Metamorphic Rocks: Slate, Marble, Quartzite, Hornfels, Mica Schist, Chlorite Schist, Phyllite, Gneiss, Anthracite Coal
NOTE: This rock kit contains galena, a source of lead. Skin contact with galena is not dangerous; however, to avoid potential digestion, always wash hands after handling.
Fluorescent Mineral Kit
Learn about fluorescence the fun way-by viewing glow-in-the-dark rocks! This kit comes with six 1.5"-2" mineral specimens that fluoresce under the black light (longwave UV) flashlight that's included. This kit is recommended for ages 8+
- A boxed set of six 1.5"-2" fluorescent mineral specimens
- A 6" black light that emits longwave ultraviolet light
- The Story of Fluorescence by Harry C. Wain booklet
- Our special instructions that teach about ultraviolet light, fluorescent minerals, and include three extra UV light activities
NOTE: UV light is the part of the sun light that causes sunburns. Never look directly at UV bulbs and wear UV filtering goggles if using for extended periods.
Minerals included in this set and color under UV light:
- Aragonite – yellowish-brown
- Hackmanite – orange
- Calcite – pale yellow
- Flourite – purple, blue
- Resinous coal – blue, green, gold
- Scapolite (Wernerite) – yellow
Tektite Sample – Extraterrestrial impact Stone
A tektite is a small, naturally glossy rock that is made from a meteorite impact. More specifically, tektites are made of black, gray, brown, or green (ex. moldavite is a green tektite) natural gasses. They are melted during meteorite impacts and essentially splashed into Earth's upper atmosphere, where they then harden, cool, and fall to the Earth's surface.
Tektites are only found in certain areas around the world. They can be found in what are called strewn fields, simply defined as regions on Earth's surface within which tektites of similar origin or age are found.
Geode Samples
Different types of geodes form when mineral deposits build up inside volcanic or sedimentary rock "bubbles." Although they look like ordinary igneous or sedimentary rocks, geodes are often full of a variety of crystals.
Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope
- 2.0 Megapixels, up to 250x magnification (Note: Final magnification corresponds to monitor size)
- Uses a webcam chipset and sensor to support a nearly any operating system and standard webcam software
- Built-in LED halo light with brightness adjustment control
- Flexible arm stand with observation pad includes graduated marks for easy measurement
- Capacitive touch button to initiate image capture
- Image, video, and time-lapse capture initiated from within the downloadable companion software
- Software and Setup Instructions
Rock and Mineral Game Set by National Geographic
Learn while you play! This game set has rock bingo, mineral memory, two types of gem-tac-toe, and a full deck of rock and mineral playing cards.
Game Set Includes:
- 25 Rock specimens
- 6 Double-sided game boards
- 1 Deck of 52 playing cards
- 1 Bag of assorted gemstone pebbles
- Game instructions
This STEM Kit was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.