1. The Formation of Minerals
Minerals form in a variety of environments in Earth’s crust.
Each of these environments has a different set of physical and chemical conditions.
The environment in which a mineral forms determines the mineral’s properties.
Environments in which minerals form may be on or near Earth’s surface or deep beneath Earth’s surface.

2. Formation Environments

3. The Environments Evaporating Salt Water
When a body of salt water dries up, minerals such as gypsum and halite are left behind. These minerals crystalize.

4. Caused by GREAT heat and pressure.
Metamorphic Rocks
Caused by GREAT heat and pressure.

5. The Environments Metamorphic Rocks
Where minerals form when rocks are altered by changes in pressure, temperature, or chemical make-up.
(calcite, garnet, graphite, hematite, magnetite, mica, and talc)

6. The Environments Limestone
Rocks formed when surface water and ground water carry dissolved materials to lakes and seas where they crystallize on the bottom
(calcite, dolomite)

7. Limestone

8. Limestone

9. Limestone

10. The Environments Hot-Water Solutions
Environment in which groundwater works its way downward and is heated by magma and then reacts with minerals.
(gold, copper, sulfur, pyrite, galena)

11. The Environments Pegmatite
Teardrop-shaped bodies with large crystals, such as gemstones, that form when magma moves upward. form during the final stage of a magma’s crystallization. They are extreme because they contain exceptionally large crystal
(many gemstones, such as topaz, tourmaline)

12. The Environments Plutons
Magma body that moves upward and cools before it reaches the surface, forming crystals;
(mica, feldspar, magnetite, quartz)
A body of intrusive igneous rock (called a plutonic rock) that is crystallized from magma slowly cooling below the surface of the Earth

13. What is mining? Mining: is extracting ore or minerals from the ground
Ore: the natural material large enough and pure enough to be mined for profit.
Liz LaRosa
5th Grade Science
2010

14. Types of Mines There are two main types of mines. 1) Surface Mining
2) Subsurface Mining
Liz LaRosa
5th Grade Science
2010

15. Surface Mining
Surface mining is used to remove mineral deposits on or near the Earth’s surface.
There are 3 types of surface mines:
Open-pit: removes large, near surface deposits of minerals such as gold and copper. Mined downward in layers
Quarries: stone, crushed rock, sand, gravel
Strip Mining: removing surface coal in strips up to 50 m wide x 1 Km long
Liz LaRosa
5th Grade Science
2010

16. Surface Mining
This quarry in northwest Georgia is an open pit used to mine granite.

17. Subsurface Mining

18. Subsurface Mining http://www.uky.edu/KGS/coal/images/minmethd.gif
Liz LaRosa
5th Grade Science
2010

19. Effects of Mining on the Environment

20. What happens to a mine when it is no longer being used?
Mine reclamation is the process by which land used for mining is returned to its original state or better.
Has been required by law since the mid-1970’s.
Mine Albert, Quebec, before and after reclamation. Government of Quebec
Liz LaRosa
5th Grade Science
2010

21. Mining
To reduce the effects of mining, reduce our need for minerals, reuse, and recycle.
Reduce: use less
Reuse: get as much use out of the materials you have.
Recycle: use the material to make something else, rather than throwing it away.