Mineralogy (Done) Flashcards
The study of the minerals; the building blocks of rocks.
Mineralogy
It deals with the chemical composition of minerals and the determination of their chemical constituents.
Chemical Mineralogy
It deals with the form and various properties of crystalline substance.
Crystallography
It deals with the various physical properties of minerals.
Physical Mineralogy
It refers to descriptions of individual mineral species including chemical, crystallographic, and general physical characters.
Descriptive Mineralogy
A division which includes the methods for identification.
Determinative Mineralogy
A homogeneous body bounded by smooth plane surfaces which are external expressions of an internal orderly structure.
Crystal
A mode of crystallization where crystals form by evaporation
By Solution
A mode of crystallization where crystals form by freezing or similar mechanism
By Fusion
A mode of crystallization where crystals form by sublimation
By Vapors
The degree of mineralization composed of fine-grained crystals requiring needs microscope
Cryptocrystalline
The degree of mineralization composed entirely of glass
Holohyaline
When rock is composed entirely of crystals
Holocrystalline
When rock is composed of a mixture of sands and glass.
Merocrystalline
A set of point groups (group of geometric symmetries with at least one fixed point).
Crystal System
All 3 axes are inclined towards each other but not of the same length (Labradorite, Kyanite, Feldspar, Rhodonite).
a ≠ b ≠ c, α ≠ β ≠ γ
Triclinic/ Isometric
3 axes where 2 angles are at right angles, and 3rd axis in inclined with at different lengths (Gypsum).
a ≠ b ≠ c, α = γ = 90°, β ≠ 90°
Monoclinic
3 axes at right angles to each other but at different lengths (Topaz)
a ≠ b ≠ c, α = β = γ= 90°
Orthorhombic
It has no angles equal to 90°, but all sides are of equal length
a = b = c, α = β = γ ≠ 90°
Trigonal/ Rhombohedral
4 axes, 3 axes at the same length and are one plane (Beryl, Apatite).
a = b ≠ c, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°
Hexagonal
3 axes where the main axis varies in length either short or long and 2 axes lie in the same plane and are of the same length (Pyrite).
a = b ≠ c, α = β = γ= 90°
Tetragonal
All 3 angles intersect at right angles and has equal length (Silver, Diamond, Gold, and Garnet).
a=b=c, α = β = γ = 90°
Cubic
The ability of a mineral to reflect light
Luster
This shines like wax (Jade and Chalcedony).
Waxy
Iridescent, like a pearl, consists of thin transparent coplanar sheets (Muscovite and Stilbite)
Pearly
Like a silk, have a parallel arrangement of extremely fine fibers (Asbestos, Satin spar Gypsum)
Silky
It shines like broken glass; occurs in transparent and translucent minerals (Calcite, Quartz, Topaz, Beryl)
Vitreous
It shines like it were coated with oil; abundant with microscopic inclusions (Opal, Jadeite).
Greasy
It shines like a hardened tree sap (Amber).
Resinous
It shines minimally to none due to coarse granulation (Kaolinite).
Dull
It shines bright like a diamond that possess a superlative luster; transparent and translucent with high refractive index (Diamond, Cerrusite, Zircon, Cubic Zirconia)
Adamantine
It has a similar luster with metals but duller and less reflective. (Sphalerite, Cinnabar, Cuprite)
Sub-metallic
This refers to the mineral’s ability to transmit light
Diaphaneity
Objects are visible when viewed through a mineral.
Transparency
Light, but not an image, is transmitted through a mineral.
Translucency
No light is transmitted, even on the thinnest edges.
Opaqueness
It is the color of a mineral in its powdered form. This is tested using a streak plate to also determine its luster.
Streak
It refers to the shape of the mineral or its aggregates
Habit
Needle-like crystal habit (Natrolite, Actinolite, silimanite)
Acicular
It forms like hair of thin crystals. (Millerite)
Capillary/ Filiform
Tree-like crystals growing similar to branches (Silver, Copper, Gold)
Arborescent
Rounded, finely banded deposits with irregular concentric protuberances (Agate, Barite, Sphalerite)
Colloform/ Nodular/ Tuberose
Circular ring aggregates around a center. It is found in cross-section from reniform/ mammillary habits (Quartz, Malachite, Rhodochrosite).
Concentric
Root-like branching in one or more direction form central point (Copper, Magnesite, Silver)
Dendritic
Aggregates characterized coating a surface or cavity usually found in geodes and fossils
Drusy/ Encrustation
Extremely slender prisms forming muscle-like fibers (Baryte, Asbestos, Gypsum, Kyanite, Serpentine Group)
Fibrous/ Asbestiform
Layered crystal planes, parting to thin sheets (Hematite, Biotite, Muscovite, Molybdenite)
Foliated/ Micaceous/ Lamellar
Aggregates of diminute anhedral crystals in matrix of other surface (Andradite, Bornite, Scheelite, Uvarovite)
Granular
Outer portions of cubes grow faster than inner portions, creating a concavity similar to a hopper (Artificial Bismuth, Halite, Galena)
Hopper
Small circumferences or grains similar to fish eggs (Calcite, Aragonite)
Oolithic
Rounded concentric nodules often found in sedimentary rock, larger than oolithic (Bauxite, Calcite, Aragonite)
Pisolithic
Flat, tablet-shaped, prominent pinacoid (Baryte, Feldspar, Topaz, Vanadinite)
Platy/ Tabular/ Blocky
Fine-feather like scales (Okenite)
Plumose
Radiating outward from a central point without producing a star (Epidote, Pyrophyllite, Stibnite)
Radial/ Radiating/ Divergent
Crystals forming triangular net-like intergrowths (Cerrusite, Rutile)
Reticulated
Platy, radiating rose-like aggregate (Gypsum, Calcite)
Rosette/ Lenticular
Forming as stalactites or stalagmite (Chalcedony, Chrysocolla, Goethite, Malachite)
Stalactitic
Star-like, radial fibers found inside spherical habits mammilary, reniform (Hematite)
Stellated
Asymmetric, similar to almonds (Stilbite, Zircon)
Amygadaloidal
Shapeless, no distinctive external crystal shape (Turquoise, Cinnabar, Realgar)
Massive/ Compact
Cube-shaped (Fluorite, Pyrite, Galena, Halite)
Cubic
Elongate, prism-like with may or may not have excellent crystal faces (beryl, tourmaline)
Prismatic
Grape-like, large and small hemispherical masses separated from each other (Calcite, Chalcedony, Halite, Smithsonite)
Botryoidal
Isolated hemisphere or spheres (Calcite, Fluorite)
Globular
Breast-like; larger version of botryoidal and/or reniform, concentric layered aggregates (Chalcedony, Hematite, Malachite)
Mammillary
Irregular kidney-shaped spherical masses (Malachite, Cassiterite, Smithsonite, Fluorite)
Reniform
It refers to the mineral’s toughness or its resistance to breaking
Tenacity
A type of mineral tenacity where the mineral crushes to angular fragments
Brittle
A mineral can be modified in shape without breaking and can be flattened to a thin sheet (copper, gold).
Malleable
The mineral can be cut with a knife into thin shavings (talc).
Sectile
The ability of a mineral to resist abrasion/ scratching
Hardness
The resistance of a sample to fracture/plastic deformation
Scratch Hardness
Mineral in the Mohs Scale, able to be scratched by a finger nail
2.5
Mineral in the Mohs Scale, able to be scratched by a copper coin
3.5
Mineral in the Mohs Scale, able to be scratched by a wire nail
4.5
Mineral in the Mohs Scale, able to be scratched by a steel of pocket knife
5
Mineral in the Mohs Scale, able to be scratched by a window glass
5.5
Mineral in the Mohs Scale, able to be scratched by a Steel of a File or a streak plate
6.5
It is the resistance of a sample to material deformation due to constant compression load from a sharp object
Indentation Hardness
It measures the indentation hardness for small parts or thin sections of metals, ceramics, and composites – almost any type of material in fact.
Vickers’s Hardness Scale
It measures the height of the bounce of a diamond-tipped hammer dropped from a fixed height onto a material.
Rebound Hardness
It the tendency of a mineral to break along planes of weak bonding. A mineral is said to have cleavage if it is broken into pieces of the same geometry.
Cleavage
Cleavage surfaces are always _______ to crystal faces or possible crystal faces, and usually to those having simple relations to the crystallographic axes.
(Parallel/ Perpendicular)
Parallel
A cleavage along a single planar direction (mica group).
Planar Cleavage/ Basal Cleavage
There are two different cleavage directions whose lines of intersection are commonly parallel to a specific crystallographic direction (amphiboles).
Prismatic
This results in mineral fragments that have cubic outlines on account of three cleavage directions at 90° to one another. (Blocky such as Galena and Halite)
Cubic
This results in fragments with an external shape with six sides however the sides are not 90° to another (Calcite).
Rhombohedral
This is the result of breakage along four different directions, caused by four sets of parallel planes, forming the shape of an octahedron (Fluorite).
Octahedral
It refers to the splitting of a crystal along twinning/pressure planes.
Parting
The ability of a mineral to have its chemical bonds nearly equally strong in all directions.
Fracture
A fracture with smooth, curved surfaces, typically slightly concave, showing concentric undulations (Quartz, Obsidian, and Flint).
Conchoidal Fracture/ Curved Fracture
These are jagged fractures with very sharp edges.
Hackly
It is the mass per unit volume of a mineral; weight of a mineral and weight of an equal volume of water at 4˚.
Density
Most common rock-forming minerals have ______ specific gravity
2-3
It is the display of a star-shaped luminous area among hexagonal system (Sapphires and Rubies)
Asterism
It has a reflectance effect like that of glitter; arises from minute, preferentially oriented mineral platelets within the material. (Fuchsite)
Aventurescence
This display luminous bands which appears to be moving as it is rotated; parallel fibers which reflect light into a direction perpendicular to their orientation thus forming narrow bands of light. (Aquamarine, Quartz, Chrysoberyl)
Chatoyancy/ Cat’s Eye
It is the play of rainbow-colored light caused by very thin regular structures or layers beneath the surface of a gemstone (Goethite, Labradorite, Opal).
Iridescence/ Goniochromism
The milky or pearly reflection from the interior of a specimen.
Opalescence/ Play of Colors
It happens when color of the surface differs from that of the interior (Mainly metallic minerals).
Tarnish
It is an optical phenomenon in which a substance has different colors when observed at different angles, especially with polarized light. (Corundum-purple, Apatite-Blue, Emerald-Green, Spodumene-Yellow, Topaz- Orange)
Pleochroism
It occurs when a mineral emits light not from incandescence (corundum, beryl, spinel, jadeite, and kyanite).
Luminescence
This property causes a mineral to “glow” in the within the visible spectrum when exposed to ultraviolet light (calcite, celestite, fluorite, sphalerite).
Phosphorescence
It is exhibited in fluorescent minerals where the mineral continues to glow even after the UV light source has been removed (calcite, fluorite, and sodalite).
Fluorescence
This happens when minerals give off yellow or orange flashes when struck (calcite, feldspar, fluorite, quartz).
Triboluminescence
The minerals give off a glowing light when heated (quartz, calcite , dolomite, and the feldspars).
Thermoluminescence
This happens when a single ray of unpolarized light entering an anisotropic medium is split into two rays travelling at different direction (calcite, zircon)
Double Refraction
A phenomenon in which the atoms of a crystal, by virtue of their uniform spacing, cause an interference pattern of the waves present in an incident beam of X rays.
X-ray Diffraction
The optical property of a material having a refractive index that depends on the polarization and propagation direction of light. It is responsible for a mineral having a double refraction.
Birefringence
When light is passed through a colloidal solution, it is observed that the colloidal particles do not permit the light to pass through it completely.
Tyndall Effect
The loss of water from the chemical structure of a mineral (gypsum to anhydrite).
Efflorescence
The absorption of water into the chemical structure of a mineral. (Sylvite, Carnallite)
Deliquesce
The ability of a mineral to develop electrical charges when exposed to temperature changes (tourmaline).
Pyroelectricity
The ability of a mineral to develop electrical charges when put under stress (special quartz).
Piezoelectricity
These refer to elements which ionize readily and form stable oxygen anions (K, Li, Mg, and REEs)
Lithophile Elements
Elements those that ionizes less readily and thus forming covalent bonds with sulfur (Ag, As, S, Pb, Sb, Zn)
Chalcophile Element
These elements are gaseous and present mainly in the atmosphere (H,C, N and Noble Gases)
Atmophile Elements
These are elements which metallic bonding is the normal condition and it does not form compounds
Siderophile Elements
It is a geochemical classification which groups the chemical elements within the Earth according to their preferred host phases
Goldschmidt Classification
This happens when crystals of 2 unrelated and chemically dissimilar minerals have largely similar habit (Rutile and Zircon).
Homeomorphism
It refers to the similarity in the arrangement of atoms of molecules in different substances.
Isostructure
It produces a similar outward crystal structure but at specific sites within a crystal a different element can be occupied (Such as Olivine where Mg and replace Fe.
Isomorphism
The ability of a mineral to occur in more than one type of structure as a function of changes in temperature, pressure, or both.
Polymorphism
This occurs when crystals of the same mineral have slightly different structures, like stacking paper in various ways
Polytypism
The existence of a mineral that has the appearance of another mineral.
Pseudomorphism
It is the basic building block of rock-forming minerals; the silicates. It is formed through covalent bonding. Through polymerization, silicates can exhibit different structures and configurations.
Silica Tetrahedra
The molecular structure of silicate minerals indicates the color and other properties. More oxygen shared, the percentage of silica increases, thus the color of the mineral tends to be ______.
Lighter
These are the simplest silicates containing discrete silica tetrahedral units (4:1 ratio).
(SiO4)^4-
Nesosilicates/ Orthosilicates
It is the condensation of 2 silica tetrahedra, linked by a common oxygen ion.
(Si2O7)^6-
Sorosilicates/ Pyrosilicates
These are ring structures where silica tetrahedra groups are not independent but united through common oxygen ions.
(SinO3n)^2n-
Cyclosilicates
These minerals have interlocking chains of silicate tetrahedra each sharing 2 oxygen. The continuous double chains of tetrahedra sharing alternately 2-3 oxygen atoms.
(SinO3n)^2n- Single Chain
[Si4nO11n]^6n− Double Chain
Inosilicates
These are continuous shells of tetrahedra each sharing 3 oxygen.
[Si2nO5n]^2n−
Phyllosilicates
This is possible by the continuous frameworks of tetrahedra with all of the 4 oxygen ions are shared. It is characterized as the highest number of silica since more oxygen ions shared is proportional to the increase of silicon
AlxSiyO]^x−
Tectosilicates
High temperature silicate minerals of black-green color having glassy luster and conchoidal fracture. These constitute about 50% of the upper mantle.
Olivine
It is similar to olivine with a tetrahedra linked by metallic ion. The colors vary from brown-red, with glassy luster, and has conchoidal fracture. This is mostly found in metamorphic rocks.
Garnets
The most important components of the mantle; black-opaque and forms blocky crystals. Single Chain inosilicate
Pyroxene
The most common member among all pyroxenes with black color, opaque luster and two cleavage planes that meet at nearly 90º angle. It is the dominant mineral of basalt.
Augite
A dark-green to black in color and forms elongated crystals.
Amphiboles
A dark-green to black mineral almost identical to Augite but it only differs in cleavage having 60-120˚ (other is 90˚) and forms elongated crystals.
Hornblende
It has light color and a pearly luster. It cleaves in one direction and used as a glass. This mineral is the most abundant in its family.
Muscovite
A dark, iron rich mineral with a sheet structure having cleavage in one direction; it is a common constituent of igneous rocks, especially granite.
Biotite
It consists entirely of silicon and oxygen making its bonds resistant to weathering and has conchoidal fracture.
Quartz Family
It has a glassy-pearly luster and the most abundant mineral known making more than 50% of the crust with quartz as second.
Feldspare
It is a common constituent of most granites and other felsic igneous rocks and often forms huge crystals and masses in pegmatite.
Orthoclase
It has a white-medium gray color which contains both sodium and calcium ions that freely replace each other during crystallization. Striations are found within cleavage planes unlike potassium feldspars.
Plagioclase Feldspar
These are silicates containing ions of Fe and Mg in the structure; minerals that fall into this category have a specific gravity between 3.2-3.6.
Dark Ferromagnesian Silicates
It contains Calcium, Sodium, and Potassium ions instead; light color is due to small amounts of Iron and Magnesium; it has a specific gravity of 2.7.
Light Ferromagnesian Silicates
These are the product of chemical weathering of other silicate minerals thus making up a large percent of the soil. It accounts about half the volume of sedimentary rocks.
Clay Minerals
