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