The Crust of the Earth Collection

Nearly all of the elements known to man are found in the crust of the earth (8 to 15 miles below the surface). A few elements are found only in the atmosphere. However over 98% of all rock materials which we see on the surface or below are made up of only eight chemical elements as listed below.

Some volcanic or igneous rocks such as diabase, diorite, or granite may actually contain all these elements. Some minerals may be made up of only one or two elements such as quartz. Oxygen is found in combination in a high percentage of all rocks and minerals.