rock climbing rules

Question
Hi Jeff:  My daughter is doing a report for school, and she needs to know how different types of rock affect rock climbing rules.

Thank you for any information you can give us.

Gloria

Answer
Gloria,
There are no "rules" to climbing per se.  Different kinds of rock may be taken into account when placing safety protection and protecting your equipment.  For instance if you are climbing Yosemite granite the rock is hard and secure, if you are climbing Red Rocks Nevada sandstone, the rock is softer and placing protection requires a bit more care.

Snow and ice climbing uses totally different equipment for protection.  I would say knowledge of whether rock is hard or soft, course or smooth is the only consideration when climbing.

Hope this helps
jeff