What Is the Importance of Rocks?

Rocks have a broad range of uses that makes them significantly important to human life. For instance, rocks are used in construction, for manufacturing substances and making medicine and for the production of gas. Rocks are also extremely vital to scientists as they provide clues about the Earth’s history.

Rocks can broadly be classified into three categories: sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks. These classes, which are based on the rock’s origin, determine the structure and use of the rock.

Rocks are important in the making of many objects, such as plates, jewelry and toothpaste. Most houses are also built of materials obtained from rocks. Some of the most valuable rocks used in the manufacturing of items include graphite, slate, limestone, gypsum and pyrite. These types of rocks help in the production of stationery and the building of houses. Coal, which is an organic rock made mainly from plant materials, has various uses. It can be used in the production of gas, and its residue is used in making plastics and several synthetic materials.

Rock mining provides employment opportunities for casual workers, especially in places where formal jobs are difficult to find. Rocks contribute greatly to the economy of a country or region where they are found. Rocks are also used in the medicine industry. Bismuth is helpful for people with stomach upsets, while silver is used in the manufacturing of dental equipment.