1. Types of Minerals
Section 4.2

2. Mineral Groups
Minerals are classified based on their chemical properties and characteristics
Geologists have classified minerals in order to study and understand their properties

3. Silicates
Silicates are minerals that contain oxygen and silicon, and usually one or more other elements.
Silicates make up 96% of the minerals in Earth’s crust.
Includes feldspar and quartz
Tetrahedron – a geometric solid having 4 sides that are equilateral triangles

4. Silicates
Differences in silicates are due to differences in the arrangement of their silica tetrahedra.
Compare mica and asbestos

5. Carbonates
Carbonates are minerals composed of one or more metallic elements and the carbonate ion (CO3 ).
Include calcite, dolomite, and rhodochrosite
Primary minerals in limestone and marble
What color is rhodochrosite?

6. Oxides Oxides are compounds of oxygen and metal
What is the chemical formula of Hematite and magnetite?
Which mineral oxide is used to generate nuclear power?

7. Other groups
Other groups include sulfides, sulfates, halides and native elements
Native elements consist of only one element

8. Ores
Ores are minerals that contain a valuable substance that can be mined for profit
Which ores come from the following minerals:
Hematitie
Bauxite
Ilmenite
Underground mining vs. Open-pit mines

9. Gems
Gems are valuable minerals that are prized for their rarity and beauty.
Includes rubies, emeralds, and diamonds
Why are rubies and emeralds more valuable than diamonds?