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1-3 Formation and Mining of Minerals. Objectives: Describe the environments in which minerals form. Compare and contrast the different types of mining. Formation of Minerals. The environment determines minerals properties. Types:
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1-3 Formation and Mining of Minerals Objectives: Describe the environments in which minerals form. Compare and contrast the different types of mining.
Formation of Minerals • The environment determines minerals properties. • Types: evaporating saltwater, limestones, metamorphism, hot-water solution, pegmatites, plutons
Evaporating Saltwater Minerals • Form when a body of salt water dries up. • Halite • Gypsum
Limestone Minerals • Form when surface and ground water carry dissolved minerals into lakes and seas. • Calcite • Dolomite
Metamorphic Minerals • Form when heat and pressure changes the structure of existing minerals • Garnet • Magnetite
Hot-water Solution Minerals • Form when water heated by magma dissolves metals and other minerals into a solution. These crystallize when the water evaporates. • Gold • Sulfur
Pegmatite Minerals • Tear shaped bodies of magma take a long time to cool – therefore they form large crystals. • Tourmaline • Topaz
Pluton Minerals • Magma that is close to the surface, but far enough underground that it is well insulated and cools slowly. • Quartz • Mica
Mining • Ore – a mineral deposit large enough to be mined for profit.
Surface Mining • The removal of minerals or other materials at or near Earth’s surface. • Open pit mines • Quarries • Strip mines • Copper and aluminum are mined this way.
Deep Mining • The removal of minerals or other materials from deep within the earth. • Diamonds and coal are commonly mined this way.
Value of Minerals • Gems – minerals that are very rare and attractive. They are admired for their beauty rather than their usefulness. Metals – from mineral ores – chalcopyrite (copper), galena (lead), beryl (beryllium), chromite (chromium)
Responsible Mining • Reclamation – returns a mined area to its natural state after mining is complete. It has been required since the 1970’s and has improved on the habitat of many animals and plants.