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Geology toolkit: what rock is that?

Updated Friday, 19 April 2019
You can use our interactive to help you identify an actual rock, or, if you don't have a sample, you can use one of our virtual rocks.

This page was published over 6 years ago. Please be aware that due to the passage of time, the information provided on this page may be out of date or otherwise inaccurate, and any views or opinions expressed may no longer be relevant. Some technical elements such as audio-visual and interactive media may no longer work. For more detail, see how we deal with older content.

Find out more about The Open University's Geology courses and qualifications



Try our Geology Toolkit

  • Geology toolkit

    Discover the unique landscape of Great Britain and Ireland with our interactive Geology Toolkit, featuring a geology timeline, rock analyser, rock cycle, landscape features and safety tips.

    Take part now to access more details of Geology toolkit
    Geology toolkit

  • Geology toolkit: landscape features

    The Geology Toolkit helps explain some of the UK's familiar landscapes

    Take part now to access more details of Geology toolkit: landscape features
    Geology toolkit: landscape features

  • The first geological map of the UK

    One of the most important maps of the UK ever made – described as the ‘Magna Carta of geology’ – is to go on permanent public display in Cambridge after being restored to its former glory. 

    Read now to access more details of The first geological map of the UK
    The first geological map of the UK

Study a free course

  • An introduction to geology

    In this free course, An introduction to geology, you will explore basic geological processes, focusing on how, where and why different rocks and natural resources form across the Earth.

    Learn more to access more details of An introduction to geology
    An introduction to geology

  • An introduction to minerals and rocks under the microscope

    In this free course, An introduction to minerals and rocks under the microscope, you will experience the study of minerals using a polarising microscope. While the study of minerals can involve electron or ion beam chemical analysis, the polarising microscope remains the prime tool for the study of rock thin sections and is the foundation of ...

    Learn more to access more details of An introduction to minerals and rocks under the microscope
    An introduction to minerals and rocks under the microscope

  • Practising science: Reading the rocks and ecology

    Have you ever wondered how scientists analyse the environment? This free course, Practising science: Reading the rocks and ecology, introduces you to the techniques used by science students at residential schools. You will learn how to determine where rocks have come from and how they were made. You will also examine the processes involved in ...

    Learn more to access more details of Practising science: Reading the rocks and ecology
    Practising science: Reading the rocks and ecology
 

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