Types of Minerals Section 4 2 Mineral Groups

Types of Minerals Section 4. 2

Mineral Groups l l Minerals are classified based on their chemical properties and characteristics Geologists have classified minerals in order to study and understand their properties

Silicates l l Silicates are minerals that contain oxygen and silicon, and usually one or more other elements. Silicates make up 96% of the minerals in Earth’s crust. Includes feldspar and quartz Tetrahedron – a geometric solid having 4 sides that are equilateral triangles

Silicates l l Differences in silicates are due to differences in the arrangement of their silica tetrahedra. Compare mica and asbestos

Carbonates l l Carbonates are minerals composed of one or more metallic elements and the carbonate ion (CO 3 ). Include calcite, dolomite, and rhodochrosite Primary minerals in limestone and marble What color is rhodochrosite?

Oxides l l l Oxides are compounds of oxygen and metal What is the chemical formula of Hematite and magnetite? Which mineral oxide is used to generate nuclear power?

Other groups l l Other groups include sulfides, sulfates, halides and native elements Native elements consist of only one element

Ores l l Ores are minerals that contain a valuable substance that can be mined for profit Which ores come from the following minerals: • Hematitie • Bauxite • Ilmenite l Underground mining vs. Open-pit mines

Gems l l l Gems are valuable minerals that are prized for their rarity and beauty. Includes rubies, emeralds, and diamonds Why are rubies and emeralds more valuable than diamonds?