Minerals of Utah

Properties of Minerals Occur naturally Occur naturally –Formed inside the Earth with no input from humans Pyrite or “fools gold” is easily identified by it’s crystalline shape and metallic luster

Properties of Minerals Minerals are inorganic Minerals are inorganic –They are not made by living processes Salt forming on the shores of the Great Salt Lake

Properties of Minerals Minerals are elements or compounds with definite chemical composition Minerals are elements or compounds with definite chemical composition Sulfur (chemical formula S) is a result of hot spring, volcanoes and thermal vents. Have you ever been to Yellowstone?

Properties of Minerals Minerals are crystalline solids Minerals are crystalline solids Qyartz The hexagonal (stop sign shape) appearance has lead many to believe it has special healing powers. In many cultures people wear it as jewelry to keep themselves healthy.

Identification Hardness In 1812, Mohs arranged ten minerals in order of hardness, so each will scratch those lower in the scale. Hardness In 1812, Mohs arranged ten minerals in order of hardness, so each will scratch those lower in the scale. Ratin g Type mineral Everyday equivalent 1Talc Baby powder 2Gypsumfingernail 3Calcite bronze coin 4Fluorite iron nail 5Apatiteglass 6Feldspar penknife blade 7Quartz steel knife 8Topazsandpaper 9Corundum 10Diamond

Identification Luster Luster The luster of a mineral is the way its surface reflects light. Most terms used to describe luster are self-explanatory: The luster of a mineral is the way its surface reflects light. Most terms used to describe luster are self-explanatory:

Identification Specific Gravity, also known as SG, is a measurement that determines the density of minerals. Two minerals may be the same size, but their weight may be very different Specific Gravity, also known as SG, is a measurement that determines the density of minerals. Two minerals may be the same size, but their weight may be very different Mineralsdensity Specific gravity sulfur, graphite light1-2 gypsum, quartz medium2-3 fluorite, beryl mediumheavy3-4 coru most metal oxides ndum, heavy4-6 native gold, platinum Heaviest19 What is the specific gravity of something lighter than water?

Identification Streak: Streak: The color of the powder left behind on the streak plate is the mineral's streak.

Identification Cleavage describes how a crystal breaks when subject to stress on a particular plane. Cleavage describes how a crystal breaks when subject to stress on a particular plane.crystal

Coal Mineral: Coal Mineral: Coal Composition: C Composition: C Where: Eastern Central Utah Where: Eastern Central Utah Use: Power plant generation Use: Power plant generation Interesting notes: Interesting notes: Most geologists consider coal not to be a mineral. Why is that?

Gypsum Mineral: Gypsum Mineral: Gypsum Composition: CaSO 4 - 2H 2 O Composition: CaSO 4 - 2H 2 O Where: Emery, Sevier, Juab Counties Where: Emery, Sevier, Juab Counties Use: Plaster of paris, cement, sheetrock Use: Plaster of paris, cement, sheetrock Interesting notes: Interesting notes:

Hematite Mineral: Hematite Mineral: Hematite Composition: Fe2O3 Composition: Fe2O3 Where: Iron County Where: Iron County Use: Steal Use: Steal Interesting notes: All of the hematite operations have stopped now because of the import of cheaper steal from Asian countries. Interesting notes: All of the hematite operations have stopped now because of the import of cheaper steal from Asian countries.

Uranium Mineral: Urannnitite Mineral: Urannnitite Composition UO2 Composition UO2 Where: Emery, Wayne, Grand counties Where: Emery, Wayne, Grand counties Use: fuel for atomic reactors and nuclear bonds Use: fuel for atomic reactors and nuclear bonds Interesting notes: Although once a lucrative industry in Utah, now production has ceased Interesting notes: Although once a lucrative industry in Utah, now production has ceased

Potash Mineral: KP Mineral: KP Where: Moab- Grand county Where: Moab- Grand county Use: agriculture fertilizer Use: agriculture fertilizer Interesting notes: Water is pumped underground to dissolve the potash and Salts. When the water is surfaced, it is evaporated leaving salt and potash behind Interesting notes: Water is pumped underground to dissolve the potash and Salts. When the water is surfaced, it is evaporated leaving salt and potash behind

Copper Mineral: Chalcopyrite Mineral: ChalcopyriteMalachite Composition: CuFeS2 Where: Kennecott copper mine and in Uranium Mines in the San Rafael Where: Kennecott copper mine and in Uranium Mines in the San Rafael Use: wire, coins, electronics Use: wire, coins, electronics Interesting notes: Although the principle element is Copper, Kennecott is a large supplier of gold, silver, lead and other metals Interesting notes: Although the principle element is Copper, Kennecott is a large supplier of gold, silver, lead and other metals

Gold Mineral Mineral Composition: Au Composition: Au Where: Park City, Kennecott Where: Park City, Kennecott Use: Jewelry, electronics, investments Use: Jewelry, electronics, investments Interesting notes: The mineral Gold is almost always mixed with a small amount of silver, and sometimes contains traces of copper and iron. A Gold nugget is usually percent gold, and the remainder mostly silver. Interesting notes: The mineral Gold is almost always mixed with a small amount of silver, and sometimes contains traces of copper and iron. A Gold nugget is usually percent gold, and the remainder mostly silver.

Silver Mineral: Silver Mineral: Silver Composition: Ag Composition: Ag Where: Park City Where: Park City Use: Photography, Jewelry Use: Photography, Jewelry Interesting notes: Silver is no longer used for coins because the value has increased over the years. Interesting notes: Silver is no longer used for coins because the value has increased over the years.

salt Mineral: halite Mineral: halite Composition: NaCl Composition: NaCl Where: Great Salt Lake Where: Great Salt Lake Use: food, curing, ice removal Use: food, curing, ice removal Interesting notes: Although salt is desired for a number of things, it is also considered a pollutant in the Colorado River Water system of Eastern Central Utah Interesting notes: Although salt is desired for a number of things, it is also considered a pollutant in the Colorado River Water system of Eastern Central Utah

Mineral Mineral Composition Composition Where Where Use Use Interesting notes Interesting notes