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MINERAL CLASSIFICATION. How minerals are grouped. Classification. Minerals are generally grouped or classified based on their chemical composition. Most common system is the Dana system. Developed by Professor James Dana of Yale University in 1848. Mineral Composition.
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MINERAL CLASSIFICATION How minerals are grouped
Classification • Minerals are generally grouped or classified based on their chemical composition. • Most common system is the Dana system. • Developed by Professor James Dana of Yale University in 1848.
Mineral Composition • Minerals are usually compounds made of the most common elements in the crust
Silicates • The largest group of minerals • Composed of: • Metal + SiO2 • Example: topaz • Al2SiO4(F,OH)3
Carbonates • The second largest group of minerals • Composed of: • Metal + CO3 • Example: calcite • CaCO3
Oxides • Composed of: • Metal + O • Example: magnetite • Fe3O4
Sulfates • Composed of: • Metal + SO4 • Example: barite • BaSO4
Halides • Composed of: • Metal + halogen • Halogens include: • Chlorine • Fluorine • Bromine • Iodine • Example: fluorite • CaF2
Sulfides • Composed of: • Metal + S • Example: chalcocite • Cu2S
Phosphates • Composed of: • Metal + PO4 • Example: Apatite • Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl)
Nitrates • Composed of: • Metal + NO3 • Example: Niter • KNO3
Native Elements • Composed of: • A single element • Example: Gold • Au