Name: Date: Class:

Rock Identification Flow Chart

START: Look at your rock

Sandstone
same

yes Are the grains mostly

Is it granular? (like the same size OR a
sand on a beach) mix of many different
sizes?
no
different

Does it have holes?

yes Conglomerate
no

yes
Does it
Can it scratch quartz? float?
Pumice
Is its hardness 8 or higher?
no no
yes
Basalt
yes Does it fizz Is it multi-colored mostly one color
Limestone with acid? OR mostly one color? Schist
no multi-colored

yes large
Are the crystals small
Obsidian Is it shiny?
OR large? Breccia
no
small

Is it multi-colored
OR mostly one color? Granite
mostly one color multi-colored

Slate Gneiss

Rocks, rocks, rocks: Test. Identify, Properties & Classify – Rock Identification Flow Chart