Native Elements

Native elements are minerals that are composed of a single element, rather than a combination of different elements. These minerals are naturally occurring and are relatively rare compared to other types of minerals. They can be found in the Earth's crust, mantle, and in some cases, the core. Some of the most well-known native elements include gold, silver, copper, sulfur, diamond, and graphite.

Properties of Native Elements

Native elements have distinct properties that set them apart from other types of minerals:

1. Composition: As mentioned, native elements are composed of a single element. For example, gold is composed solely of gold atoms, and diamond is composed solely of carbon atoms.
2. Hardness: Native elements can vary widely in hardness. For example, diamond is one of the hardest minerals known, while sulfur is relatively soft and can be easily scratched with a fingernail.
3. Luster: Many native elements have a metallic luster, making them shiny and reflective. However, some native elements, such as sulfur, have a non-metallic luster.
4. Color: The color of native elements can vary widely. For example, gold is yellow, silver is white, and sulfur can be yellow, orange, or even red.
5. Occurrence: Native elements are typically found in pure form, rather than as compounds with other elements.

Examples of Native Elements

Here are some examples of native elements and their properties:

Study Guide Questions

1. What is a native element?
2. What are the properties of native elements?
3. Give examples of native elements and their properties.
4. Where are native elements typically found?
5. What is the hardness of diamond, and what is its chemical composition?

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