Types of Minerals

Section 4.2

Mineral Groups

Minerals are classified based on their chemical properties and characteristics

Geologists have classified minerals in order to study and understand their properties

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

Silicates

Differences in silicates are due to differences in the arrangement of their silica tetrahedra.

Compare mica and asbestos

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?

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?

Other groups

Other groups include sulfides, sulfates, halides and native elements

Native elements consist of only one element

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

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?