Earth Materials Flashcards
The hierarchy of solid matter on Earth in ascending order
Atoms → Elements → Compounds → Minerals → Rocks
These elements have a tendency to concentrate in the gaseous atmosphere of a planet or celestial body. Examples of these elements include hydrogen, helium, neon, argon, and xenon.
Atmophile
These elements have a strong affinity for silicate minerals and tend to concentrate in the solid, rocky parts of a planet, such as the crust and mantle. Examples of these elements include silicon, aluminum, potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium.
Lithophile
These elements have a strong affinity for sulfur and tend to concentrate in sulfide minerals. Examples of these elements include copper, zinc, lead, and molybdenum.
Chalcophile
These elements have a strong affinity for iron and tend to concentrate in the metallic core of a planet. Examples of these elements include iron, nickel, cobalt, platinum, and gold.
Siderophile
what makes up the atomic weight of an atom?
The sum of all the protons and neutrons present in the atom
consists of elements that combine in a specific ratio.
Chemical compounds
The smallest quantity of a compound is called
molecule
What holds molecules together?
Chemical bonds
electrons are transferred between atoms forming attracting ions
Ionic Bonding
electrons are shared between atoms
Covalent Bonding
electrons drift around from atom to atom
Metallic Bonding
sheets of covalently bonded atoms held together by
weak electrostatic forces
Van der Waal bonds
Definition of a mineral
✓ naturally occurring
✓ inorganic
✓ definite chemical composition
✓ ordered crystalline structure
✓ homogenous solid
What element is the most abundant in the Earth’s crust?
Oxygen
What is the percentage of iron in the Earth’s crust?
8.1%
minerals with the same chemical composition but different crystal structures
polymorphs
Minerals taking crystal form of another, pre-existing mineral
Pseudomorphs
A solid aggregate (mixture) of minerals
Rock
It is a measure of the resistance of a mineral to scratching
and abrasion, and is usually measured in comparison to
other minerals of known hardness
Hardness
Three types of diaphaneity
Transparent
Translucent
Opaque
What is the optimal water to HCL ratio used for the field?
9:1
The difference between pyroelectricity and peizoelectricity?
Pyroelectricity is caused by temperature, while
Why Does Quartz Have So Many Varieties?
due to different environments / impurities while the quartz crystal is forming
the in-situ physical disintegration and chemical breakdown of rocks
Weathering
when deep rocks are exposed, the removal of overburden causes sub-horizontal cracks to form causing the rock to easily peel away like layers of an onion
exfoliation joint
water fills cracks, freezes, expands, and forces cracks to
open causing them to grow; can lift large blocks
Frost wedging
mechanical weathering processes create an apron or pile of debris at the margins of slopes called
talus / talus deposits
refers to the degree of similarity in particle size in a sedimentary rock
sorting
The first areas to be weathered in a cubic rock are the
corners
