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A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement.

Minerals are naturally occurring• They are not made by

humans Minerals are inorganic

• They have never been alive and are not made up from plants or animals

Minerals are solids• They are not liquids (like

water), or gases (like the air around you)

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement.

Minerals have a definite chemical composition• Each one is made of a

particular mix of chemical elements

Minerals have an ordered atomic arrangement• The chemical elements that

make up each mineral are arranged in a particular way - this is why minerals 'grow' as crystals

The major mineral groups: Silicates and Non-Silicates

Silicates = minerals that contain Silicon (Si) and Oxygen (O)

An example Quartz

Non-Silicate groups: Carbonates, Oxides, Sulfates, Sulfides, Halides, and Native Elements

Mineral Formation – 3 ways

• Cooling of hot melting material (magma)

•Evaporation – from minerals dissolved in solution (Halite)

•Precipitation – from minerals dissolved in solution

Carbonates = Minerals that contain the elements carbon (C), Oxygen (O), and one or more other metallic elements.

An example

Calcite

Chemistry: CaCO3, Calcium Carbonate Class: Carbonates Group: Calcite Uses: In cements and mortars, production of lime, limestone is used in the steel industry; glass industry, ornamental stone, chemical and optical uses and as mineral specimens.

Oxides = Minerals that contain Oxygen (O) and one or more elements, which are usually metals.

An example RutileChemistry: TiO2, Titanium Oxide Class: Oxides and Hydroxides Group: Rutile Uses: Ore of titanium, pigment and as an ornamental stone when in clear quartz

Sulfates = Minerals that contain the elements, Sulfur (S), and Oxygen (O); SO4 .

An example

Barite

Chemistry: BaSO4, Barium Sulfate Class: Sulfates Group: Barite Uses: ore of barium

Sulfides = Minerals that contain the elements Sulfur (S), some other elements.

An example

Pyrite

Chemistry: FeS2, Iron Sulfide Class: Sulfides Group: Pyrite Uses: A very minor ore of sulfur for sulfuric acid, used in jewelry under the trade

Halides = Minerals that contain a halogen ion plus one or more other elements.

An example

HaliteChemistry: NaCl, Sodium Chloride Class: Halides Uses: Major source of salt and as mineral specimens.

Native Elements = Minerals that are uncombined with other elements.

An example

SilverChemistry: Ag, Elemental silver Class: Elements Group: Gold Uses: Minor ore of silver for use in jewelry, coins and photographic films and other industrial uses.