Old Rock Day (January 7)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

Old Rock Day, celebrated every year on January 7, is a fun excuse to appreciate the ancient stones beneath our feet.

Whether you’re fascinated by fossils, minerals, or the history of our planet, this day is a great opportunity to learn more.

While its origins are unknown, it’s a perfect time to explore geology, create crafts, or even go on a rock-hunting adventure.

Keep reading to discover the history, fun facts, and activities to enjoy one of the unique holidays in January.

When is the Holiday?

Old Rock Day is observed annually on January 7th. It’s a time to appreciate the Earth’s oldest formations, from fossils to gemstones, and everything in between.

Who Invented It?

The origins of the holiday are unclear. There’s no official record of who first celebrated it, but it seems to have emerged as a fun way to encourage interest in geology and paleontology.

The History of the Holiday

Ancient civilizations used stones for tools, construction, and art. The study of rocks, known as petrology, dates back to Ancient Greece.

The term ‘geology’ was first used in 1603 by Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi.

Today, geologists continue to study rocks to understand Earth’s history, including how life evolved through fossils.

stack of old rocks

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. The oldest known rock is a zircon crystal from Australia, estimated to be 4.4 billion years old.
  2. The Grand Canyon showcases nearly two billion years of Earth’s history in its rock layers.
  3. The world’s largest rock is Mount Augustus in Australia, which is twice the size of Uluru.
  4. Meteorites are considered some of the oldest rocks, dating back to the solar system’s formation.
  5. Many precious gemstones, including diamonds and sapphires, are formed from old rocks under extreme pressure.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Visit a local museum or geology exhibit. Many science museums have rock and mineral displays, and some even allow hands-on fossil digging experiences.
  • Start a collection. Head outside and search for unique rocks. Use a rock identification guide to learn more about them.
  • Try rock painting. Use acrylic paints or markers to decorate rocks with fun designs, messages, or educational facts.
  • Make your own fossils. Use salt dough or clay to press leaves, shells, or small toys into the surface, then let them dry to create DIY fossils.
  • Take a nature hike. Observe different formations, identify layers of sediment, and look for fossils in local parks or trails.
  • Use a tumbler. If you have one, polish rough stones into smooth, shiny treasures.
  • Watch a geology documentary. Learn more about the Earth’s crust, volcanoes, and the rock cycle with an educational film.
cave

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Links to Resources

  • Types of Rocks Worksheets. Help kids understand igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
  • DIY Fossil Crafts. Hands-on fossil-making activities that teach kids about paleontology.
  • How to Make a Dino Egg Dig. A fun excavation activity where kids can dig out toy dinosaurs from homemade fossil eggs.
  • Rock Cycle Crossword Puzzle. A printable crossword puzzle designed to reinforce knowledge of the rock cycle, including rock formation, weathering, and erosion.
  • Free Rock Cycle Worksheets. A collection of worksheets covering the different stages of the rock cycle, ideal for homeschoolers and educators looking for engaging science activities.
  • National Park Service provides educational resources on formations in national parks and how landscapes change over time.
  • Rock Tumbler. A great tool for transforming rough stones into polished gems, perfect for aspiring collectors and science enthusiasts.
  • Ultimate Rock Collection. A set of rock and mineral specimens from National Geographic. Ideal for beginners and young geologists looking to explore different types of stones.
  • Smithsonian Rock and Gem Book. An informative and beautifully illustrated guide covering a wide range of rocks, minerals, and gemstones, making it a must-have for any budding geologist.

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