Chapter 03A: Minerals

Question 1

Minerals

Answer 1

Natural, inorganic solid, definite chemical composition, specific crystalline molecular structure

Resources and soil enrichment

Question 2

Elements

Answer 2

Building blocks of minerals

92 occur naturally

Question 3

Polymorphs

Answer 3

Matter of identical chemical composition, but takes on various forms

E.g. graphite and diamond

Question 4

Mineral properties/identifers

6 appearance
4 other

Answer 4

Appearance:

Luster
Color
Streak color
Cleavage or fracture
Crystal form/mineral habit
Striations and exsolution lamellae

Other:

Hardness
Magnetism
Specific gravity
Acid reaction

Question 5

Abundant crustal elements

Answer 5

Oxygen
Silicon
Aluminum
Iron
Calcium
Sodium
Potassium
Magnesium

Question 6

Mineral groups

Answer 6

Silicates

Non-silicates

Question 7

Mineral classes - silicates

Answer 7

Feldspars

Quartz

Micas

Olivine

Hornblende

Question 8

Mineral classes - non-silicates (7)

Answer 8

Carbonates (CO₃^2-)
E.g. calcite, dolomite

Halides (Cl^-, F^-, Br^-)
E.g. halite, fluorite

Oxides (O^2-)
E.g. hematite, magnetite

Sulfides (S^2-)
E.g. galena, pyrite

Sulfates (SO₄^2-)
E.g. gypsum, annhydrite

Phosphates (PO₄^3-)
E.g. for detergents, fertilizers; cause potential water contamination

Native elements (single elements)
E.g. gold, copper, diamond, sulfur, graphite, silver, platinum