Have you ever wondered what the world would be like without rocks? You may not know it, but if we took all the rocks away, we would have a miserable life. We use rocks for roads, metals, jewelry, tombstones, building materals, cosmetics, and many, many more things. Most of the famous sculptures of the world are made from blocks of stones such as granite and marble. Did you know that the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal are made out of rocks? We also collect rocks as a hobby. If we did not have rocks, this earth would be pretty empty. Who wants an empty earth? Not me!

To better help you understand the importance of rocks, study the table below of some the most commonly used rocks and minerals.

The Importance of Rocks and Minerals
Name	Type of Rock	Use
Basalt	Igneous	Used in road building materials
Calcite	Mineral	Used in cements and mortars and the production of lime
Granite	Igneous	Used for buildings, monuments, and tombstones
Marble	Metamorphic	Used in building, floors, tile in bathrooms
Obsidian	Igneous	Used in making arrowheads and knives
Pumice	Igneous	Used in scouring, scrubbing, and polishing materials
Quartz	Mineral	Used in making glass, electrical components, and optical lenses
Sandstone	Sedimentary	Used in the building industry for houses
Slate	Metamorphic	Used for roofs, chalkboards, and patio walks

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Copyright March, 2000