1. Topic: Formation, Mining, and Use of Minerals PSSA: 3.5.7.A/S8.D.1.1

2. Objective: TLW… –Describe the environments in which minerals form. –Compare two types of mining. –Describe ways to reduce the effects of mining. –Describe different uses of minerals.

3. MI #1: Mineral Formation The environment in which a mineral forms helps determine the mineral’s properties. Minerals may form due to exposure to heat, rapid cooling, evaporation, etc. A list of processes that help form minerals can be found on p. 74-75 of your textbook.

4. MI #2: Surface Mining Minerals located at or near the Earth’s surface are removed through surface mining. Types of surface mining include open pit mines, strip mines, and quarries.

5. MI #3: Subsurface Mining Subsurface mining methods are used when the minerals are located deep within the Earth’s crust. Subsurface mining typically requires passageways to be dug into the Earth to reach the ore.

6. MI #4: Responsible Mining Techniques Reclamation is the process by which land used for mining is returned to it original state. Reclamation is usually associated with surface mines and is required by law. Western PA has many reclaimed strip mines that were once used for coal.

7. MI #5: Mineral Uses Some minerals are of major economic and industrial importance. Metallic minerals may be used in automobiles, aircraft, electronics, etc. Nonmetallic minerals may be used in construction (concrete, drywall), glass, computer chips, etc.

8. MI #6: Gemstones Some nonmetallic minerals are valued for their beauty and rarity, not their usefulness. The mass of a gemstone is expressed in carats. (1 carat = 200mg) Some popular gemstones include diamonds, rubies, sapphires, topaz, and emeralds.

9. So What…? Real Life Application Understanding how minerals are mined is important to understanding how human actions have environmental impacts.