Lecture 25/01/2017

Question 1

essential macronutrients for plants to succeed

Answer 1

N (i.e., nitrates)
P (i.e., phosphates)
K (i.e., potash)

Question 2

“dimension stone”

Answer 2

stone for building facades, gravestones, etc.

Question 3

“drilling muds”

Answer 3

ie., liquid drilling aid containing bentonite (a volcanic ash containing clay minerals).

Question 4

What is the role of sands in Hydrofracking (‘fracking’) solutions?

Answer 4

To keep open the fractures in rock which have been plied apart by water pumped at high pressure.

Question 5

Provide an example of a mineral that could be substituted for a metal.

Answer 5

Feldspars: ceramic bearings

Experimental: ceramics used in engine blocks.

Question 6

Provide an example of rock/mineral synthesis

Answer 6

diamonds

Question 7

The value of indust. rocks and minerals can be determined by where they are found. (i.e., found close to where they are being used). Provide an example.

Answer 7

Gravel pits proximate to road construction requiring gravel.

Question 8

What’s so great about the Mica mineral group?

Answer 8

Occurs in sheets with platelets and has anti corrosion properties.

Question 9

What element is Potash associated with?

Answer 9

K

Question 10

Does K accumulate as a marine evaporite or a marine sedimentary rock?

Answer 10

marine evaporite

Question 11

How does P accumulate?

Answer 11

Through the formation of marine sedimentary rocks, nodules, and guano.

Question 12

What’s the mode of formation for nitrates?

Answer 12

Nitrates formed through the chemical combustion of nitrogen and oxygen or ‘nitrogen fixation’.

Question 13

Sulphur is a native element in ________ districts

Answer 13

volcanic

Question 14

What is the mineral name for Na?

Answer 14

halite

Question 15

Brines are found more frequently shallower or deeper in Earth’s Surface?

Answer 15

deeper

Question 16

Brines and Brackish water, which is found deeper in Earths’ surface?

Answer 16

brines

Question 17

Provide some examples of Dimension stone.

Answer 17

1) Marble (counter-tops)
2) Granite (counter-tops and headstones)
3) Slate (roof and patio applications
4) sandstone (carving and building)

*Marble is softer than granite

Question 18

Provide examples of rocks and minerals used in the construction industry.

Answer 18

• crushed stone (e.g., limestone, dolomite, basalt)
• cement (i.e., calcite [limestone] and gypsum)
• plaster (gypsum)
• brick (i.e., clays)
• glass (i.e., quartz, silica, feldspar, etc.)
• asbestos insulation
• gypsum board (aka, ‘drywall’)

Question 19

What geological process produces Slate?

Answer 19

metamorphism (i.e., intense folding).

Question 20

What is Gypsum used for in construction?

Answer 20

‘Drywall’ or ‘gypsum board’

Question 21

What is the metric for ‘Oil gravity’?

Answer 21

API (American Petroleum Industry) degrees (i.e., as a heavy oil, Tar Sands would be considered to have a high API).

Question 22

What’s bentonite?

Answer 22

bentonite - a volcanic ash containing clay minerals.