1. Thursday, January 5
How would you describe what a mineral is to someone?
Why or why not do you think minerals are important?

2. What is a Mineral?
A mineral is a substance that is naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, crystal structure, and has a specific chemical composition.

3. Why are minerals important?

4. Characteristics of Minerals
It must be naturally occurring
It must be inorganic
It must be a solid
It must have a crystal structure (repeating arrangement of atoms)
It has a specific chemical composition

5. Common Minerals in Most Rocks
Quartz
Feldspar (Group)
Muscovite
Biotite
Calcite
Pyroxene
Olivine
Amphibole (Group)
Magnetite, Limonite, and other Iron Oxides
Pyrite

6. Common Uses of Minerals

8. Aluminum -- packaging, transport, building Beryllium -- gemstones, fluorescent lights Copper -- electric cables, wires, switches Feldspar -- glass and ceramics Iron -- buildings, automobiles, magnets Calcite -- toothpaste, construction