
This is a beginner's guide to identifying UK rock types.
The guide has two main sections:
- background information on the structure and forces affecting the Earth in relation to rock formation
- a more practical hand-specimen guide with examples of rock samples commonly found in the United Kingdom, detailing igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
This is followed by a glossary of geological terms that are used in the text.

Produced with support from
Identification services
The Museum offers a free identification service for the public, and also a commercial service for businesses.