Questions and Answers
What are the different ways by which minerals have been classified?
What are the two parameters that are most important for mineral classification?
Chemical composition and internal crystal structure
Why are the two parameters important for mineral classification?
Because these two control physical and chemical properties of minerals.
Who is known as the father of mineralogy?
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What is believed to be the first scientific attempt of mineral classification?
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Who developed the basics of the classification system used today?
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In the Berzelian system, minerals are categorized based on what?
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Into what categories are minerals classified in the Berzelian system?
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Who proposed a chemical composition-based mineral classification system in 1854?
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How many groups are minerals classified into in Dana's system?
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What are the classes of Dana's system?
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Who is the British physicist who developed X-rays?
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What is used to determine atomic arrangement in crystalline substances?
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Who classified silicate mineral groups based on their internal atomic structure?
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Who proposed the chemical-structural classification of minerals?
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How many groups did Strunz arrange minerals into?
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What are the ten groups that Strunz arranged?
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What is the latest edition of the Strunz classification system known as?
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Why was the Nickel-Strunz classification refined?
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How many groups are there in the Nickel-Strunz classification?
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What are the ten major compositional classes in the Nickel-Strunz classification?
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In the chemical classification scheme, minerals are divided based on what?
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What are minerals with the same anion?
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Minerals having the _____________________________ are similar to the minerals containing the same dominant cation.
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What are native elements?
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What is the largest group of minerals abundant in the Earth's crust?
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Study Notes
Mineral Classification Overview
- Minerals can be classified based on physical properties, chemical properties, chemical composition, and internal crystal structure.
- Chemical composition and internal crystal structure are the primary parameters influencing mineral classification, as they dictate physical and chemical properties.
Historical Development
- Georgius Agricola is recognized as the Father of Mineralogy.
- "Agricola's De re metallica" published in 1556 is considered the first scientific attempt at mineral classification.
- Jöns Berzelius, a Swedish chemist, developed the foundational classification system still in use today.
Berzelian System
- Berzelian system categorizes minerals based on the main anion group present in their chemical structure.
- Major classifications include:
- Native elements
- Sulfides and sulfosalts
- Oxides and hydroxides
- Halides
- Carbonates, nitrates, and borates
- Sulfates
- Phosphates
- Silicates
Dana System
- J.D. Dana proposed a chemical composition-based classification system in 1854, leading to the current classification framework.
- Dana's system consists of eight main mineral groups, including native elements, silicates, oxides, sulfides, sulfates, halides, carbonates, phosphates, and mineraloids.
Contributions of Lawrence Bragg
- British physicist Lawrence Bragg developed X-ray techniques used to determine the atomic arrangement in crystalline substances.
Goldschmidt's Contribution
- Victor Goldschmidt classified silicate mineral groups according to their internal atomic structure.
Strunz Classification
- Hugo Strunz proposed a chemical-structural classification combining crystallography with chemical composition.
- Strunz classified minerals into ten groups including elements, sulfides, halides, oxides, carbonates, borates, sulfates, phosphates, silicates, and organic compounds.
- The latest refinement of the Strunz classification is known as the Nickel-Strunz classification.
Nickel-Strunz Classification
- The Nickel-Strunz classification has been updated to incorporate recent advancements in crystal structure determination and consists of ten major compositional classes reflecting the current understanding.
- Major classes include elements, sulfides, halides, oxides, carbonates, borates, sulfates, phosphates, silicates, and organic compounds.
Anion-Based Classification
- In a chemical classification scheme, minerals are categorized based on dominant anion or anionic groups, aligning with the periodic classification of elements.
- Minerals with similar anionic groups tend to occur together in similar geological environments (e.g., sulfides in veins).
Native Elements
- Native elements are pure metals, with about 40 elements occurring in a native state.
- Common native elements include carbon (C), sulfur (S), and copper (Cu), while occurrences of gold (Au), silver (Ag), and platinum (Pt) are rare.
Silicate Minerals
- Silicate minerals, which combine with silicon and oxygen, represent the largest and most abundant mineral group in the Earth's crust.
- This class includes various combinations of metals such as aluminum, magnesium, iron, and calcium.
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Description
Explore the different methods used to classify minerals, focusing on their physical and chemical properties, chemical composition, and internal crystal structure. These flashcards will help reinforce your understanding of the critical parameters in mineral classification. Perfect for geology students looking to enhance their knowledge!
