Minerals

What are the five parts that define minerals?

Naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, crystal structure, predictable chemical composition.

Why is a lab-grown diamond not considered a mineral?

Because it is not naturally occurring.

What is a mineral composed of?

Atoms, specifically protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Which crystal structure is described as having a predictable area?

Defined crystal structure.

What happens to the chemical composition of minerals when impurities are added?

Impurities can change the chemical composition of a mineral.

What is the mineral composition of Quartz?

SiO2.

What type of bonding occurs when minerals form?

Ionic bonding, covalent bonding, metallic bonding.

Define 'Cleavage' in minerals.

The tendency of a mineral to break along defined planes of weakness.

What are silicates?

Minerals that all contain silicon and oxygen (SiO2).

List common rock-forming minerals.

Olivine, Pyroxene, Amphibole, Biotite, Plagioclase, K-Feldspar, Muscovite, Quartz, Calcite, Clays.

What defines a mineral's luster?

Whether it has a metallic or non-metallic appearance.

What is the color of the streak when a mineral is powdered?

The streak color should be the same as the regular color of the mineral.

What do common rock names indicate?

They indicate what minerals are present in the rock.

What is the composition of Carbonates in minerals?

CO3.

What defines Native Elements in mineral classification?

Single element minerals that do not contain carbon, such as Au (gold), Ag (silver), and C (carbon).

What are the building blocks of silicates?

Silica tetrahedra.