Mineral Set 4 Questions

Question 1

In what geological environment does Halite form?

Answer 1

Halite is formed in evaporite deposits and can be dissolved in hot springs, salt lakes, and the ocean.

Question 2

What is the chemical relationship between Halite and Sylvite?

Answer 2

Sylvite is Isostructural with Halite, with K in place for Na.

Question 3

What are the principle commercial uses of Fluorite?

Answer 3

• Fluorite is used to create Fluoride, which is used in mouth wash, teeth cleaning, water purification, etc.
• Fluorite is used to make chemicals and for industrial pruposes such as steelmaking and optical purposes.

Question 4

Give the name and the crystal system of the polymorph to Calcite. Is it more of less stable than calcite at high P/high T environments?

Answer 4

Aragonite is Orthorhombic
It also is more stable at High T and High P.

Question 5

Calcite has Rhombohedral Cleavage – how many “directions” (aka independent planar directions)?

Answer 5

3 planes of cleavage.

Question 6

What is the other end member in the Dolomite Group solid solution?

Answer 6

Dolomite = CaMg(CO3)2, Ferrodolomite = CaFe(CO3)2