What Materials Make Up the

Earth’s Surface?

Diamonds, rubies, and gold! These are minerals that come from the earth.

Imagine—There are places on earth where people can dig up gems and metal!

Nonliving, solid matter from the earth.

Minerals

Luster: The way a mineral reflects light.

Minerals that reflect a lot of light are shiny.

Gold is an example of a mineral that reflects a lot of light.

Properties of Minerals

Color

Minerals come in many different colors. Some minerals are found in several colors, and

some may even change color. Some minerals are used to make gemstones.

Properties of Minerals

Hardness

If you want to know how hard a mineral is, rub it against another mineral. The harder mineral will scratch the softer mineral.

The hardness of a mineral helps to identify the mineral

Diamonds are the hardest mineral

Properties of Minerals

Rocks are not all alike! Some form deep inside the earth. Others form at the bottom of lakes and

oceans.

Rocks

Some igneous rocks are made from magma

that cools below the earth’s surface. Granite is an igneous rock.

Igneous Rock

Are made of tiny pieces of other rocks, shells,

and other materials. Formed in the bottom of the water by the

pressure of the water. Sandstone is an example of sedimentary rock.

Sedimentary Rock

Rocks that are deep inside the earth and

change into different kinds of rocks. Heat and pressure change the rocks over

many years. Limestone (a sedimentary rock) can be

changed into marble.

Metamorphic Rock

Is formed from years of weathering of rocks

and minerals and the decaying of dead plants and animals.

Contains air and water. Used by plants and animals for nutrients.

Soil

Sand

Loose and has large grains Does not hold water well Soil with too much sand is not best for growing

crops

Types of Soil

Clay

Smooth and has fine, tightly packed grains Water does not soak into clay quickly Clay can hold a lot of water Rich in nutrients Plants do not grow well in clay because it is too

hard for roots to grow in

Types of Soil

Topsoil

Dark soil Rich in nutrients Holds water well Plants grow well in topsoil

Types of Soil