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natural history page title

Identifying rocks, minerals and fossils

 Introduction
What is a rock?
What is a mineral?
What is a fossil?

Rock, mineral or fossil?

Rock key
Mineral key
Fossil key
Helpful books

      

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Is my specimen a rock, mineral or fossil?

Follow the key to identify your specimen. Only common types of rock, mineral and fossil are featured here; if you can't identify your specimen using this key you could try searching the Virtual Store, could take it to a museum for identification or could do some research in your local library.

Does your specimen have a pattern or shape that looks like part of a plant or animal? 
 

image link to fossil key. Image of Androgynoceras curidum ammonite fossil                                                                      image link to rock or mineral key. Image of blue chalcedony mineral
Yes No