Title slide with a blue-green background. On the left is a photograph of several large rocks and mineral specimens in shades of white, pink, gray, black, and blue-gray. On the right is the white Night School logo, featuring a stylized owl icon and the words “NIGHT SCHOOL” in uppercase letters. The slide appears to introduce a presentation on identifying rocks and minerals.

An Introduction to Identifying Rocks & Minerals

28 October 2026 17:30 - 19:30 Virtual

28 October 2026 | 17:30 - 19:30 | Virtual

Perhaps the single most important skill that geologists learn is to identify minerals and rocks. Geology is the study of the Earth, and rocks and minerals are the materials that make up our planet and record its history. Being able to identify common minerals and the rock types they make up is a gateway to the wonderful stories that can be read in the geological record. Stories that anyone can read if they know what to look for. The first stepping stone in being able to appreciate the Earth’s history using your own two eyes is being able to identify rocks and the minerals they contain.

This module will provide you with the basic tools you need to be able to start looking at rocks. It will give you some useful tips and tricks that make identifying these material much easier, as well as giving some fascinating insights into the rocks that you see around you everyday, whether you live by the seaside, in the countryside or in a city. 

The module will be interactive with activities to show you how you can amaze your friends by giving names to rocks and minerals.

The Geological Society Night School offers an engaging way to explore geoscience through live, expert-led online sessions designed for curious and enquiring minds. The courses provide an opportunity to discover a wide range of topics within geoscience, in a format that is welcoming, flexible, and accessible. Whether your interest lies in dinosaurs, volcanoes, space, or the history of geology, each session is designed to spark curiosity and build understanding in an enjoyable and approachable way.

These evening sessions introduce geoscience topics in a clear and informal style, making it easy for anyone to take part and engage. You do not need any previous knowledge to join. Whether you are discovering geoscience for the first time or returning to a long-held interest, Night School offers a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and explore new ideas.

For more information on Night School, including other courses that are taking place, click here.

This session will take place on Wednesday 28 October 2026, at 17:30 (GMT) via Zoom. The module will approximately finish at 19:30.

Joining details will be sent out a few days before the session begins.

Please note this is a live session and therefore a recording will not be made available.

Person wearing a dark wide-brimmed hat and a dark insulated jacket standing on a mountain overlook, with forested hills and a valley stretching into the background. Autumn-colored shrubs and trees appear in the foreground under overcast light.

Dr Matt Genge

Imperial College London

Matt Genge is an Associate Professor at Imperial College and has been teaching undergraduate students about rocks and minerals for 20 years. He does research on meteorites, cosmic dust and volcanoes concentrating on the nature of their rocks. Minerals are some of his best friends.

Standard £25

Concession* £15

*The concession rate is available students, teachers, or retired individuals. Proof of concessionary status should be provided upon request.

 

Thanks to our educator, we have a limited number of complimentary places available on this course for those who may be facing hardship. Please contact us at nightschool@geolsoc.org.uk if you wish to be considered for one of these