MINERALOGY (GROUP 3)

is the systematic study that deals with the characteristics of the individual and group of minerals.

mineralogy

are generally made up of two of more minerals, mixed up through geological processes

rocks

A mineral is a naturally occurring substance with distinctive chemical and physical properties, composition and atomic structure

minerals

Main ingredient in cement and used in construction.

calcite

Found in glass, watches, and electronics.

quartz

Used in ceramics, glass, and kitchen countertops.

feldspar

Used in drywall (plasterboard) and plaster.

gypsum

Used for Cooking

halite

Essential for steel production (used in buildings, cars, tools).

iron

Used in cosmetics, paints, and insulation materials

mica

Found in bricks, pottery, and paper coatings.

kaolinite

Used in baby powder, cosmetics, and paints.

talc

Refers to their behavior in the presence of light and how they interact with light when observed using various optical techniques. Remember that Optical means “see” or “sight” and how would you see a mineral in light.

optical properties

are any features that you can use your 5 senses (see, hear, feel, taste or smell) to aid in identifying an unknown mineral.

physical properties

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat, parallel surfaces due to its atomic structure.

cleavage

minerals that has cleavage

mica

halite

calcite

The way a mineral breaks when it does not follow cleavage planes.

fracture

minerals that has fracture

quartz

obsidian

copper

A mineral’s resistance to scratching, measured by Mohs Scale (1-10).

hardness

The color of a mineral’s powdered form when scratched on a streak plate.

streak

The mass of a mineral relative to its volume, affecting weight and industrial use.

density

The ability of a mineral to attract or be influenced by a magnet due to iron content.

magnetism

A mineral’s resistance to breaking, bending, or crushing

tenacity

describe a mineral's composition and reactions with other substances.

chemical properties

The specific elements that make up a mineral.

chemical composition

The ability of a mineral to dissolve in a liquid, usually acid or water

solubility

Reactivity with acids. Some minerals react with acids, producing bubbles (CO₂ gas).

effervescence

Some minerals react with oxygen over time, changing color.

oxidation

Refers to how it interacts with acidic or basic (alkaline) solutions, affecting its stability, solubility, and chemical behavior

power of hydrogen

Organic-based minerals burn or decompose under heat

flammability

Caused by the inclusion of naturally-occurring radioactive elements in the mineral's composition

radioactivity