Unit 5:. Minerals are: Solid Formed in nature Inorganic Of a definite composition Composed of a particular crystal structure.

Unit 5:

Minerals are: Solid Formed in nature Inorganic Of a definite

composition Composed of a

particular crystal structure

Minerals are formed by natural processes

Minerals are Inorganic Inorganic – not formed from living

matter Minerals are not living and never were

living Salt is a mineral, coal and sugar are not

All minerals are solid – definite shape, definite volume

Most are compounds, some are elements

Contain same elements in same ratio Ex: SiO2

Crystals are solids with repeating patterns

More space = better crystal formation

Minerals can form from Magma Magma – molten material found beneath

Earth’s surface If magma cools slowly in Earth’s

heated interior, large crystals can form

If magma cools at Earth’s surface, or comes into contact with air or water, smaller crystals form

Minerals can also form from a solution

Supersaturated solutions will cause crystals to precipitate

If the liquid of a solution evaporates, the remaining elements form crystals

Silicates – Silicon + Oxygen + Metal(s) Ex: Olivine - Mg2SiO4

Carbonates – CO3 and Metal(s) Ex: Calcite - CaCO3

Oxides – Oxygen and Metal(s) Ex: Hematite– Fe2O3

Sulfates – SO4 and Metal(s) Anhydrite CaSO4

Sulfides – Sulfur and Metal(s) Pyrite – FeS2

Halides – Halogen (Cl or F) and Metal(s) Halite - NaCl