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International Rock Day – July 13, 2023

International Rock Day, celebrated on July 13 every year, is all about paying tribute to rocks. And no, we are not talking about extravagant rock music and rock concerts with guitars and a raving audience — we are talking about literal rocks! Did you know that rocks are not simply rocks and that all the rocks you know fall into three categories — igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic? Did you also know that the study of rocks is known as geology? If you’re a budding geologist and looking to pursue a degree in the field have a look at these science scholarships. See just how much there is to know about rocks. That’s what makes International Rock Day so special. Read on to know more.

History of International Rock Day

Technically, a rock is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals or mineraloids. Rocks cover the entire earth — in fact, the earth’s outer solid layer, the lithosphere, is made up of rock and has been put to use by humans throughout history. Rocks may not seem very important to most people, but they are essential for the very survival of humans, and rocks played a part in the human evolution that we are experiencing today.

International Rock Day is a special day to celebrate and honor this very essence of life. The main aim of International Rock Day is to raise global awareness about the importance of rocks and encourage people around the world to learn more about rocks. There are three basic types of rocks: igneous rocks, which start deep within the earth as magma or molten rock, sedimentary rocks, which are weathered into fragments that are carried away by water, wind, and ice, and metamorphic rocks, which are essentially igneous or sedimentary rocks that have been changed by heat and pressure. At a granular level, rocks are usually composed of grains of minerals, which, in turn, are homogeneous solids formed from chemical compounds.

Unfortunately, there is no solid history behind the creation of International Rock Day, and the origination and the creator of this day remain unknown. Nonetheless, this day needs to be celebrated because of the usefulness of rocks to mankind. So, happy learning about rocks!

International Rock Day timeline

40000 B.C.
The Rocks Are Found to Be Useful

Human beings begin to use stones as weapons and utensils.

2500 B.C.
The Birth of Stonehenge Site

The Stonehenge site is constructed as a medium to connect the human and the divine.

1969
The Moon Rocks Come to Earth

The lunar crew lands on the moon and then comes back to earth bringing back moon rocks.

2010s
The People Suddenly Become Fond of Rocks

People across the world start to show interest in collecting rocks and minerals.

International Rock Day FAQs

Do rocks have DNA?

No, they do not. Rocks consist of a collection of minerals that are formed from other materials.

Do all rocks come from other rocks?

According to science, any rock can become any other. In a way, rocks can be formed from fragments of other rocks. They can even be formed from the remains of plants or animals.

Are rocks alive?

In short, no. Living things are defined by a set of characteristics, including the ability to reproduce, grow, move, breathe, adapt and respond to their environment. Rock is a non-living thing.

International Rock Day Activities

  1. Tell others about this special day

    The best thing you can do to celebrate International Rock Day is to spread the word. Create awareness about the different types of rocks and how they have shaped the evolution of humans.

  2. Carry out your own research

    One of the interesting ways you can celebrate International Rock Day is by researching the different types of rocks available across the globe. Not only is this educational, but it is also a fun way to spend the day.

  3. Organize a rock party

    You can organize a rock painting party with your friends and family. All you need to do is grab a rock, wash off the dirt and start painting it.

5 Cool Facts About Rocks

  1. Rocks and timescale

    Rocks are dated according to eras using a timescale dividing the Earth's history.

  2. The planet Mars also has rocks

    A variety of rock types and sediments have been found on Mars, similar to rocks on Earth.

  3. Shooting stars are rocks

    A shooting star is actually just a bit of space rock entering the Earth's atmosphere.

  4. Gold is a rock too

    Ores are rocks containing metals like gold and silver.

  5. Gold returns to earth

    Most gold mined returns to earth as most of it is buried in subterranean bank vaults.

Why We Love International Rock Day

  1. We need this day

    International Rock Day is a much-needed holiday to spread awareness about the importance and benefits of rocks. By observing this day, we can also spread awareness that rocks are a significant part of human evolution.

  2. It spreads positivity

    International Rock Day encourages people to research and learn more about rocks. To do this, people might go out on a rock exploration and get a fresh breath of life!

  3. It brings people together

    One of the wonderful things we can take home from International Rock Day is that not only rocks are cool, but they can also bring like-minded people together. What is there not to love about that!

International Rock Day dates

YearDateDay
2023July 13Thursday
2024July 13Saturday
2025July 13Sunday
2026July 13Monday
2027July 13Tuesday

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