NSB Earth Science

Work in progress

Native Element

Minerals composed of only one element, such as copper, sulfur, gold, silver, and diamond.

A mineral must be this state of matter

Solid, not liquid or gas

Mineral

Naturally formed with a distinct chemical makeup, and crystalline structure, normally inorganic

Mineraloid

A substance that satisfies some, but not all of the parts of the definition. For example, opal, does not have a characteristic crystalline structure, so it is considered this.

Halite

NaCl, or salt, a mineral.

Van der Waals Bonds

a weak type of bond that does not share or transfer electrons. Usually results in a zone along which the material breaks easily (cleavage). Good examples's graphite and micas like biotite and muscovite.

Crystal (Structure)

All minerals, by definition are also these. Packing of atoms in this structure requires an orderly and repeated atomic arrangement. Such an orderly arrangement needs to fill space efficiently and keep a charge balance.

Law of constancy of interfacial angles (Steno’s Law)

X-ray diffraction

Using a certain wavelength of light that penetrates crystals but is deflected by the atoms within in order to determine crystal structure.

Polymorphs

Minerals with the same composition but different structures are called this.

Geothermal Gradient

The observed relationship between pressure and temperature within the earth.

Carbon Polymorphs

Graphite and Diamond

O, Si, Al, Fe, Ca

top 5 most common elements in the earth’s crust, by mass. 45.2%, 27.2%, 8%, 5.8%, 5.1%

Silicates

Most common minerals are these - SiO4 tetrahedron

Habit, Color, Streak, Luster, Cleavage, Density, Hardness

Classifications of minerals

1 on Mohs’ scale

Talc. A clay mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate, with the chemical formula Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)_{2 - Phyllosilicate}