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Minerals. What is a mineral. A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement. Minerals are naturally occurring They are not made by humans Minerals are inorganic
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A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement. • Minerals are naturally occurring • They are not made by humans • Minerals are inorganic • They have never been alive and are not made up from plants or animals • Minerals are solids • They are not liquids (like water), or gases (like the air around you)
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement. • Minerals have a definite chemical composition • Each one is made of a particular mix of chemical elements • Minerals have an ordered atomic arrangement • The chemical elements that make up each mineral are arranged in a particular way - this is why minerals 'grow' as crystals
The major mineral groups: Silicates and Non-Silicates Silicates = minerals that contain Silicon (Si) and Oxygen (O) An example Quartz
Non-Silicates Non-Silicate groups: Carbonates, Oxides, Sulfates, Sulfides, Halides, and Native Elements
Mineral Formation – 3 ways • Cooling of hot melting material (magma) • Evaporation – from minerals dissolved in solution (Halite) • Precipitation – from minerals dissolved in solution
Carbonates = Minerals that contain the elements carbon (C), Oxygen (O), and one or more other metallic elements. An example Calcite • Chemistry: CaCO3, Calcium Carbonate • Class:Carbonates • Group:Calcite • Uses: In cements and mortars, production of lime, limestone is used in the steel industry; glass industry, ornamental stone, chemical and optical uses and as mineral specimens.
Oxides = Minerals that contain Oxygen (O) and one or more elements, which are usually metals. An example Rutile • Chemistry: TiO2, Titanium Oxide • Class: Oxides and Hydroxides • Group: Rutile • Uses: Ore of titanium, pigment and as an ornamental stone when in clear quartz
Sulfates = Minerals that contain the elements, Sulfur (S), and Oxygen (O); SO4. An example Barite • Chemistry: BaSO4, Barium Sulfate • Class: Sulfates • Group: Barite • Uses: ore of barium
Sulfides = Minerals that contain the elements Sulfur (S), some other elements. An example Pyrite • Chemistry: FeS2, Iron Sulfide • Class: Sulfides • Group: Pyrite • Uses: A very minor ore of sulfur for sulfuric acid, used in jewelry under the trade
Halides = Minerals that contain a halogen ion plus one or more other elements. An example Halite • Chemistry: NaCl, Sodium Chloride • Class: Halides • Uses: Major source of salt and as mineral specimens.
Native Elements = Minerals that are uncombined with other elements. An example Silver • Chemistry: Ag, Elemental silver • Class: Elements • Group: Gold • Uses: Minor ore of silver for use in jewelry, coins and photographic films and other industrial uses.