1. Minerals

2. What is the difference in picture A and B? (Other than the obvious) AB

3. What is a mineral? Formed by natural processes such as cooling magma and evaporating saltwater Inorganic – not made by life processes Element or a compound with definite chemical composition (structure) Solid and crystalline (atoms in patterns that repeat over and over again)

4. S.N.I.F.C. S olid -not liquid, gas, or plasma Naturally Occurring -Not manmade Inorganic –Not alive, never was Fixed Composition - Same recipe everywhere, every time C rystalline Structure- shape of the mineral crystals

5. How are minerals classified? Minerals are grouped based on crystal systems. This means that they are classified according to their type of repeated crystal patterns. Minerals are also classified by the element or compounds that make them up.

6. How are minerals identified? (How can you tell them apart?) Color Hardness Luster Density Streak Breakage (Cleavage and Fracture Unique properties

7. Color The same mineral can come in different colors. Color is not always a reliable way to identify a mineral due to factors such as: weathering and the inclusion of impurities-things that would cause the mineral to change color (air or water)

8. Hardness Hardness is determined by how easily a mineral can be scratched. Mohs Scale of Hardness is used to measure the hardness of a mineral

9. Mohs ScaleHardnessHardness of Common Objects Talc (softest)1Fingernail 2.5 Gypsum2Piece of copper 2.5-3.0 Calcite3Iron nail 4.5 Fluorite4Glass 5.5 Apatite5Steel file 6.5 Feldspar6Streak plate 7.0 Quartz7Flint sandpaper Topaz8Spinel (rock shops) Corundum9Emery sandpaper Diamond (hardest)10Carborundum sandpaper

10. Luster The way a mineral reflects light. Metallic, Nonmetallic, or submetallic

11. Density

12. Streak The color of a mineral when it is in powdered form. Tested by streaking the mineral across a streak plate (object must be harder than the mineral) Actual color of the mineral

13. Breakage Cleavage-tendency of some minerals to break along smooth, flat surfaces Fracture-tendency of some minerals to break with an uneven, rough, or jagged surface

14. Unique Properties Many minerals have unique characteristics that can also be used to identify the mineral. Example-natural magnet, double refraction, odor, taste, reaction to acids, fluorescence, etc.

15. Uses of Minerals Minerals are a component of everyday life because they are a part of everyday objects Jewerly (gems-rare minerals) Diamonds are used in industrial abrasives and cutting tools Some minerals are used to produce specific types of laser light Quartz is used in electronics Minerals that contain useful substances can be mined