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Unless I'm missing something, flint is the only new specimen compared to last year's list, right? Can someone else confirm this?

Looks like it, although flint doesn't really count as new because it's just a form of chert (and it looks like they'll be IDed together).

The new additions to the rules are interesting, though. I like that they're more focused on skills/processes than memorization, but I'm a little worried that adding more obscure topics will make the event less popular or harder to get into. Thoughts?

Im new to this event and i dont really get it

In Rocks and Minerals, at least in NC, you're going to be looking at rock/mineral specimens (hopefully real examples, if not then images), and identifying them, as well as providing information about the specimens. It's very heavily an identification-based event. You'll also need to know information about different geologic processes among some other things. I'd recommend just procedurally working your way through the list and typing up notes about things as you go.

Agreed w/ what jennarholt said above^ also make sure you're familiar with binder material!!! Imo it's not about memorizing material(although you should be familiar with what all rocks/minerals on list look like), more about understanding the geological processes and being VERY familiar with your binder/field guide. It's timed and in stations so you need to be able to find answers and ID stuff fast... Also, take a ton of practice tests and use the ID bot linked on the wiki page!

Last comp I was at we did a whole lot of ID with hardness and luster, so make sure you're familar with that, or at least well versed in the material overall. My partner and I found "Simon and Schuster's Guide To Rocks and Minerals" (1978 edition) to be quite helpful. Field guides are always a good idea!

Would also like to comment on field guides. My team used Audubon last year, and the guide is a bit confusing to flip through. It took us a while to get used to how it was organized... Make sure whatever information is in your field guide(luster, hardness, environment of formation, etc is usually included in field guides) is not in your binder, because then you're just repeating information.

Why are halite and gypsum to the fourth power, and what does (pink) squared mean?

Check the bottom of the mineral/rock list. It's not to the power of 4--the number is just similar to what an asterisk would do, if that makes sense