Chapter 3 Matter and Minerals

Minerals

Minerals in Rocks

Minerals Natural Inorganic solid Molecular structure Chemical composition

Elements Mineral building blocks 115 identified 92 occur naturally Others are unstable…we think

Periodic Table of Elements

Atoms A fundamental piece of matter Smallest particle of element Retaining elemental characteristics

Atomic Structure (not really)

Creating Compounds Chemical bonding Ionic – strong & can be water soluble Covalent - strongest Metallic – electrons move freely Van der Waals – weakest Hydrogen

Isotopes Atoms of same element with varying numbers of neutrons May be unstable Radioactive

Polymorphs Diamond & Graphite Figure 3.10

Physical Properties Crystal Forms

Physical Properties Luster Metallic Non-Metallic

Physical Properties Color

Physical Properties - Hardness

Physical Properties Streak

Physical Properties Cleavage Breaks along surfaces with weak bonds Creates smooth(er) surfaces Flat, shiny surfaces (reflects light) Varies in number of planes

Common Cleavage Directions

Fluorite, Halite, & Calcite exhibit perfect cleavage

Physical Properties Fracture

Physical Properties Specific Gravity Density without units Weight of a mineral divided by the weight of an equal volume of water Quartz = 2.7

Other Physical Properties Magnetism Double refraction Taste Smell Reaction to acid

Minerals Thousands of minerals A few hundred common ~ 12 rock-forming minerals

Abundant Elements in the Crust

Mineral Groups Silicates Feldspars – Potassium & Plagioclase Quartz – Amethyst, Milky, Smoky, etc.. Micas – Muscovite & Biotite Olivine Hornblende

Mineral Groups Phosphates  Detergents  Fertilizers

End of Chapter 3