Links to External Resources
The sites listed below are some useful web sources for information on geology in general, and on methods for studying rocks, minerals and fossils.
If you know of other websites that are useful for amateur geologists, feel free to send us a message from the Contacts Page
General Geology
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Geology.com
An independent website run by a small team of enthusaists, providing detailed information on rocks and minerals, with a large gallery of photos. https://geology.com |
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Alex Strekeisen
A truly amazing website of landscapes, rocks, minerals and thin-sections, featuring photos, descriptions and useful tips on identification. It's worth following him on Facebook as well! http://www.alexstrekeisen.it/english/index.php |
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GNS WebMap Client
A web-based application giving access to an interactive map of the geology of New Zealand, at 1:1 million and 1:250,000 scale. https://data.gns.cri.nz/geology/ |
Rock and Mineral Identification
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The rock identification key, by Don Peck
A simple and useful interactive key to rock identification, based on easily recognisable characteristics. Only covers the more common rock types (so exckudes most New Zealand curiosities). https://trailism.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/The-Rock-Identification-Key-interactive.pdf |
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Jan Rasmussen: How to identify rocks and minerals
A downloadable guide to rock and minerral identification. Covers a limited number of more common varieties, and isn't interactive, but it is free! https://janrasmussen.com/pdfs/rock%20and%20mineral%20identification%202012.pdf |
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Mindat
The Mineral Database: Details of rocks, minerals and (to a lesser extent) fossils and where to find them, including useful guides and databases of specimens: https://www.mindat.org |
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Virtual Microscope
A virtual micrpscope that allows you to examine thin sections of rocks from around the world, including the ability to zoom in on and rotate individual views in both plain and polarised light. https://www.virtualmicroscope.org |
Fossils
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Fossil Finds in New Zealand
Fossils of the Top of the South: a gallery and description of several hundred of the fossils that you can find in the area (and elsewhere) based on the collections of a Nelson Roack and Mineral Club member: https://fossilfindsnz.weebly.com |
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FRED
The Fossil Record Electronic Database: a searchable database and (partially-) interactive map of all officially registered recordings of fossils found in New Zealand https://fred.org.nz |
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Digital Atlas of Ancient Life
A US-based website providing 3D-images of a wide range of fossils, together with extremely useful information on how to identify fossils, (Part of a bigger website that covers rocks and minerals as well.) www.digitalatlasofancientlife.org/learn/ |
Geological Hazards
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GeoNet
Geological hazard infdormation - including real time monitoring and mapping - for earthquakes, landsl;des and tsunami ion New Zealand. https://www.geonet.org.nz/ |
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IRIS
Interactive real-time mapping of earthquake activity, world-wide. Navigation of the site isn't easy, but with persistence you can discover a rich pool of information. https://www.iris.edu/app/seismic-monitor/map |
Resources for Children
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Earth’s History: Rocks, Fossils, and Paleontology
A site that covers just about everything in geology, with lots of exercises and fun facts for kids brite.co/education/earths-history-rock-fossils-and-paleontology/
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Interactive Activities & Ideas
Facts and games and links to other sites - everything you need to entertain and educate kids about geology https://word.tips/earth-science-resources/ |