Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that have a definite chemical composition and crystal structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are formed through various geological processes.
Properties of Minerals
Color: The color of a mineral can vary, but it is not always a reliable way to identify a mineral.
Luster: Refers to the way lightreflects off the surface of a mineral. It can be metallic, glassy, pearly, or dull.
Hardness: A mineral's resistance to scratching. This property is measured using the Mohs scale of hardness.
Cleavage and Fracture: Cleavage is the way a mineral breaks along flat surfaces, while fracture is the way it breaks with irregular surfaces.
Crystal Structure: Minerals have a specific internal arrangement of atoms that forms a crystal lattice.
Types of Minerals
There are over 4,000 known minerals, but they can be classified into the following groups:
Silicate Minerals: The most common group of minerals, which are composed of silicon and oxygen and often contain other elements like aluminum, iron, and magnesium.
Carbonate Minerals: These minerals contain the carbonate ion (CO3) and are often formed in marine environments.
Oxide Minerals: Minerals that are composed of oxygen and one or more other elements, such as iron, aluminum, or titanium.
Sulfide Minerals: Minerals that contain sulfur combined with one or more metals.
Sulfate Minerals: These minerals contain the sulfate ion (SO4) and are often found in arid environments.
Native Elements: Minerals that are composed of a single element, such as gold, silver, and copper.
Uses of Minerals
Minerals have various uses in everyday life, including: