MINERALS are a solid mixture of elements MINERALS are a solid mixture of elements. All share four common characteristics. Formed through natural processes NONLIVING: Not alive and never was EXAMPLE: diamonds vs. coal SOLIDS: Objects with a definite size and shape Elements or compounds with a unique chemical composition or CRYSTAL (a solid in which the atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern) structure. Definition: Minerals are naturally occurring, nonliving, solids with a unique chemical composition or crystal structure.  

There are thousands of minerals, most are made up of only 8 elements, but these 8 elements make up 98 % of the Earth's crust. Minerals form two main ways: 1. From the cooling of melted rock (magma or lava) as it cools, the atoms form a crystal structure after becoming a solid, it becomes a mineral the type of mineral depends on the types of elements in the magma From the evaporation of liquid atoms are dissolved in liquid after the liquid evaporates, the atoms left behind form new crystals

MINERAL IDENTIFICATION occurs based on a mineral’s physical and chemical properties. 1. LUSTER is how light is reflected from a mineral's surface. METALLIC : shiny (like a piece of metal) or dull (like iron) NON- METALLIC: no real reflection of light, “soapy”, or “pearly”   2. COLOR is the general appearance of a mineral STREAK is the color when it is broken up or powdered. 4. The way a mineral breaks. A mineral with …….. BASAL CLEAVAGE has smooth and flat sheets CUBIC CLEAVAGE has smooth edges with cubic shapes FRACTURE has rough or jagged edges

Reaction to acid (Hydrochloric) Density 5. HARDNESS is how easily a mineral can be scratched. Based on MOHS SCALE OF HARDNESS, 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest. 6. Other Properties Crystal Structure Magnetism Light- bending Reaction to acid (Hydrochloric) Density

HOMEWORK: Notebook page 3: Using complete sentences, give one SIMILARITY and one DIFFERENCE in the ways minerals form. Check you answers by labeling them S1 and D1. Notebook page 4: Using complete sentences, give two mineral characteristics that can be identified by observations AND two characteristics that can be identified by tests. Check you answers by labeling them O1, O2, T1, and T2.

The two main uses for minerals are: 1. GEMS are minerals that are prized because of their beauty and rarity. The cost of such minerals is affected by ● Cut ● Polish● Quality ● Tradition ● Beauty ● Size ● Durability ● Rarity ● Purity ● Demand ● Portability 2. ORES are minerals that can be mined for a profit. Factors determining the profit include: ● Supply ● Demand ● Mining costs ● Cost of removing waste rock ● Environmental impacts ●Human concerns/ needs