MINERALS
Dec 24, 2014
MINERALS
MINERALS
Solid material with particles arranged in a repeating pattern (crystals)
Natural, made from elements Never alive
WHERE DO THEY FORM?
Earth’s mantle (diamond) heat and pressure Near the Earth’s surface (calcite- when
calcium, oxygen, and carbon combine)
*water always plays a role in forming crystals (Galena)
MINERAL PROPERTIES
Streak- color of the powder left behind
Streak plates can be white or black
MINERAL PROPERTIES Luster- describes the surface of a mineral reflects light
MINERAL PROPERTIES
Cleavage/fracture,
MINERAL PROPERTIES
Hardness- mineral’s ability to resist being scratched Moh’s Hardness Scale 1-10
MOH’S HARDNESS SCALE
WHAT ARE THE SHAPES OF A MINERAL?
Elements in the minerals form patterns. The patterns cause minerals to form geometric shapes called
crystals. Crystals come in different geometric prisms.
HOW WE USE MINERALS
Can be used in some form: Silver/copper- musical instruments Gypsum- plaster and wallboard Halite- table salt Hematite- source of iron/steel Diamond- jewelry, drill bits
GEMS
A gem is a mineral that is rare, beautiful, usually transparent, and has a lot of luster.
Gems are cut into shapes to show their color and remove flaws.
Used in jewelry Birthstones