Minerals

Building Blocks of Minerals Atom: smallest piece of matter Element: pure substance that cannot be broken down into smaller pieces Molecule: atoms strongly bonded together Compound: molecules with two or more types of elements

What do all minerals have in common? Definite Chemical Composition Determined by elements or compounds Halite: sodium and chloride

What do all minerals have in common? Solids All minerals are in the solid phase of matter Liquids and gases are not minerals Usually Inorganic Not made up of living or remains of living things Naturally Occurring Formed by natural processes

What do all minerals have in common? Crystalline Structure Composed of crystals Repeating pattern of atoms or molecules

How are minerals classified? Silicate Group Minerals that have combination of silicon and oxygen Nonsilicate Group Do not contain silicon and oxygen Sorted by composition

How are minerals identified? Color Not the best identification, minerals can be different Streak Color of the powdered form of a mineral

How are minerals identified? Luster The way a surface reflects the light Metallic or nonmetallic Cleavage The way a mineral splits along a surface

How are minerals identified? Density How much matter in a certain amount of space Hardness Resistance to being scratched Special Properties Unique things specific to minerals