A specialized subfield of geosonification focusing on the physical and chemical properties of rocks and minerals. Data from spectrometers, electron microscopes, or core samples can be turned into soundscapes that reflect a rock's composition, formation history, or crystalline structure. It can be used for both scientific analysis and creating deeply textured, "ancient" musical works.
Rock Sonification Example: A geologist sonifies the layered mineral composition of a billion-year-old shale formation. Different elements produce different tones: iron rings like a bell, quartz creates a shimmering high end. Playing the "song" of the rock from bottom to top layers reveals the audible history of environmental changes across eons.
by Dumu The Void February 4, 2026
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