Rocks and Minerals Objectives

Mt. Saint Helens Washington State

Objectives 1)List 5 characteristics of all minerals 2)Using seven physical properties of a mineral, identify an unknown mineral 3)Using the E.S.R.T, identify the two most abundant elements by mass and volume in the earth’s crust

4) Draw the silicate tetrahedron and explain its importance in determining the physical properties of minerals 5)List and explain two ways in which minerals can form.

Objective 1: List five characteristics of all minerals  Quartz Crystal

Characteristics of Minerals Characteristics of Minerals  Crystalline  Solid- No liquid minerals  Inorganic- Not living  Naturally Occurring  Physical and Chemical properties

Abundances of the Elements in the Earth's Crust Element Approximate % by weight Oxygen46.6 Silicon27.7 Aluminum8.1 Iron5.0 Calcium3.6 Sodium2.8 Potassium2.6 Magnesium2.1 All others1.5

Physical Properties of Minerals  Color  Luster Adamantine Luster Silk Luster Gumdrop Luster Pearly Luster

Physical Characteristics continued..  Crystal Shape  Streak  Cleavage  Fracture CALCITE Complex Topaz CrystalTopaz

Hardness Diamond Below is the Mohs Hardness Scale: Talc Gypsum Calcite Fluorite Apatite Orthoclase Quartz Topaz CorundumCorundum (ruby and sapphire)ruby sapphire Diamond

Silicate Tetrahedron Silicate Tetrahedron

Two ways Minerals can form 1.Magma

2.Water- evaporates