Classification of Minerals Flashcards

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.

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!