Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Minerals Reading: 2.1-2.6
Dec 16, 2015
Relationships to Earth Systems
• Biosphere• Hydrosphere• Atmosphere• Lithosphere
1) Calcite Limestone,2) Halite,3) Clay minerals
2.1 What is a Mineral?
• A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.
Is Ice a Mineral?• According to our definition?• Naturally occurring? • Inorganic? Solid?• Chemical composition ?• Crystalline structure?
2.2 Chemical Composition • First lets go to Atoms !• All matter is made of Atoms.• Every speck of Gas, liquid, or
Solid surrounding you is a mix of millions of Atoms.
Other Bonds
• Covalent BondBetween 2 Nonmetals neither one donates or gives up an electron, They simply Share in outer orbital shell forming Covalent bond
• Metallic Bond very few electrons in the outer most electron shells. Instead of donating or sharing these electrons are released from the orbital shell and available for a nearby cluster of atoms to use. “floting in a sea of Electrons”
2.3 Crystalline Nature of Minerals• A crystal is any substance whose atoms are
arrange in a regular, periodically repeated pattern.
• When atoms combine to form minerals they so in organized way that forms a geometric pattern called crystal.
Physical Properties of Minerals
1 Crystal habit (shape) 2) Cleavage & fracture 3) Hardness 4) Specific gravity 5) Color 6) Streak 7) Luster Others (Taste, Reaction to Acid, magnetism. )