mineral classes Flashcards
what controls the physical property of minerals?
how the atoms in the crystal lattice are arranged
the bonds that hold the lattice together
characteristics of medallic bonds?
conducts electricity
flexible bonds
malleable
composition of silicates?
contains (SiO4)4-
what is an oxide?
contains 02-
composition of a sulfide?
contains S2-
composition of a sulphate?
contain (SO4)2-
composition of a halide?
contain a halogen (F, Cl, Br, etc)
composition of a carbonate?
contain (CO3)2-
what is the basic building block for most minerals?
the silicate tetrahedron
How does a silicate tetrahedron work?
4 oxygen atoms surround one silicon atom
each oxygen covalently shares an electron with the silicon
very strong bonds
How do minerals neutralize the charge?
tetrahedra can form ionic bonds with cations
covalently bond tetrahedra together
mix of covalent and ionic bonds
what are common cations?
Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Al, Si
How are the properties of silicate minerals determined?
composition of the mineral
arrangement of the atoms in the crystal lattice
bonds of atoms in the crystal lattice
How do minerals form?
solidification
precipitation from solution
solid state diffusion
biomineralization
precipitation from a gas
What is solidification?
minerals crystalize directly out of molten rock as it cools
what is precipitation from a solution?
minerals precipitate out of a water solution due to evaporation
what is solid state diffusion?
rearrangement of atoms or ions through a solid to form a new crystal structure as a result of increasing heat and pressure
what is biomineralization?
living organisms create minerals to strengthen their tissue
what is precipitation from a gas?
minerals crystalize from cooling gas entering the atmosphere
gas comes from geysers or volcanic vents
how many types of rocks are there?
igneous
sedimentary
metamorphic
how do igneous rocks form?
from molten rock as it cools
precipitation of minerals from gas
how do sedimentary rocks form?
crystallize from dissolved elements in groundwater
minerals from broken down rock or fossils
how do metamorphic rocks form?
minerals recrystallize from existing minerals where conditions in the crust cause high heat and pressure
How does rock formation affect texture?
a difference in formation will change the shape and size (texture) of minerals in the rock