Minerals

In order to be classified as Mineral it must be: 1.Naturally occurring- must occur by natural geologic processes 2.Solid 3.Generally Inorganic – does NOT have Carbon and Hydrogen bonded together 4.Definite chemical composition (ex. Quartz is ALWAYS 2 oxygen atoms and 1 silicon atom – SiO2) 5.Crystal structure – atoms are arranged in orderly and repetitive manner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yehk9SPaXnQ&feature=related

Rare Earth Minerals and Green Technology http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NIVIOaQf2U&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO94WHkqHg4&feature=related

How do Minerals Form? 1. Crystallization from Magma Magma is molten rock beneath the earth’s surface. As magma cools elements combine to form minerals. The longer the cooling time the larger the mineral crystals.

2. Precipitation Dissolved substances, when the water evaporates some react to form minerals.

3. Pressure and Temperature Minerals that form when existing minerals experience extreme pressure and/or temperatures. Example – Graphite and Diamond Heat Pressure

4. Hydrothermal Solutions A very hot mixture of water and dissolved substances. (100 °C – 300 °C) When these solutions come in contact with existing minerals, new ones can be formed. Examples: Quartz and Pyrite GEOTHITE

Short Video to describe the ways minerals can form. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQB4Hwi4O-M Short Video to describe how to classify minerals. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeFVwqBuYl4&feature=player_detailpage

6 Mineral Groups Listed in Order by their Abundance on Earth!!!

1st Mineral Group The Silicates The Most Abundant Group!

1. Silicates Silicon-oxygen tetrahedron. An exception to this rule is pure quartz (SiO2)

Most contain additional elements. Silicon-oxygen bonds are really strong. Quartz - most common

2nd Mineral Group The Carbonates

2. The Carbonates Contain: carbon (C), oxygen (O) & 1 or more of the metallic elements. Limestone CaCO3 Marble CaCO3

Calcite is the most common carbonate mineral. (CaCO3)

3rd Mineral Group The Oxides

3. Oxides Hematite is one form of iron oxide (Fe2O3). Contain oxygen (O) & one or more other elements, which are usually metals. Hematite is one form of iron oxide (Fe2O3).

4th Mineral Group Sulfates and Sulfides

4. Sulfates and Sulfides Minerals that contain sulfur (S) AND at least one other element. Sulfur is not a sulfate/sulfide BARITE Chemical Composition: BaSO4

5th Mineral Group Halides

5. Halides Minerals that contain the halogen ion plus one or more elements Elements from Group 17A on the Periodic Table. DIABOLEITE Chemical Composition -CuPb2Cl2(OH)4

6th Mineral Group Native Elements

6. Native Elements Group of minerals that exist in a relatively pure form. SILVER (Ag) GOLD (Au) SULFUR (S)