Classification of Minerals

Questions and Answers

What is the basis of mineral classification?

Chemical composition (correct)

Color

Density

Physical properties

How are minerals classified?

Minerals are split up into classes depending on the dominant anion or anionic group.

Why do minerals having the same anion have stronger resemblances?

Because they have the same anion or anionic group in their composition.

What is a reason that minerals related by dominance of the same anion tend to occur together?

They tend to occur together in the same or similar geopolitical environment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scheme of mineral classification agree with?

It agrees with the current chemical practice in naming and classifying inorganic compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What are native elements?

Minerals formed entirely from elements which occur in the uncombined state. Signup and view all the answers

What are sulfide minerals?

Compounds of one or more metallic cations that are important ores. Signup and view all the answers

What are phosphates, arsenates, and vanadates composed of?

They are composed of phosphorus, arsenic, and vanadium forming tetrahedral anionic groups. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the sulfate anionic group.

The sulfur cation bonds with four oxygen anions. Signup and view all the answers

What does the boron atom join with to form the borate radical?

The boron atom joins to three oxygen atoms. Signup and view all the answers

What do nitrates involve in their composition?

Nitrogen bonds to three oxygen atoms. Signup and view all the answers

What are carbonites?

Compounds of a metal or a semi-metal with the carbonate anion. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes halides?

Minerals in which an element of the halogen group provides the anion. Signup and view all the answers

What do hydroxides consist of?

Compounds of metallic elements with water or the hydroxyl ion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining feature of oxides?

Minerals in which an oxygen anion is combined with one or more metal cations. Signup and view all the answers

What forms the fundamental constituent of silicates?

The silicate radical SiO4. Signup and view all the answers

Describe nesosilicates.

Isolated silicate structures. Signup and view all the answers

What do sorosilicates consist of?

Paired silicate structures. Signup and view all the answers

What defines inosilicates?

Single and double chains of silicate tetrahedra. Signup and view all the answers

What are cyclosilicates characterized by?

Ring silicate structures. Signup and view all the answers

What do phylosilicates form?

Sheet-like structures. Signup and view all the answers

What do tecosilicates consist of?

Framework structures of silicate tetrahedra. Signup and view all the answers

What are solfosalts?

Compounds of sulfur and a semi-metal, along with one or more metals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Minerals

Mineral classification is primarily based on chemical composition.
Minerals are categorized depending on the dominant anion or anionic group present in their structure.

Classification by Anions

Minerals sharing the same anion exhibit stronger similarities than those sharing the same cation.
Minerals with a common anion often coexist in similar geological environments, highlighting their relatedness.
This classification aligns with contemporary chemical practices in naming and categorizing inorganic compounds.

Types of Minerals

Native Elements: Minerals formed entirely from uncombined elements, including metals, semi-metals, and non-metals.
Sulfides: Composed of metallic cations and are significant sources of ore.
Phosphates, Arsenates, and Vanadates: Comprise phosphorus, arsenic, and vanadium with tetrahedral anionic groups bonded with oxygen.
Sulfates: Feature the sulfate anionic group (SO4) formed by sulfur cation bonded with four oxygen anions.
Borates: Created when boron combines with three oxygen atoms to form borate radicals.
Nitrates: Contain nitrogen bonded to three oxygen atoms, analogous to carbonates.
Carbonates: Combinations of metals or semi-metals with the carbonate anion (CO3).
Halides: Minerals where an anion is derived from a halogen element.
Hydroxides: Composed of metallic elements combined with hydroxyl ions or water.
Oxides: Forms where an oxygen anion combines with one or more metallic elements.

Silicate Minerals

Silicates: Classified by the silicate radical (SiO4), which forms a tetrahedral geometry with oxygen anions surrounding a central silicate cation.
Nesosilicates: Feature isolated silicate groups.
Sorosilicates: Composed of paired silicate groups.
Inosilicates: Include single and double chain silicate structures.
Cyclosilicates: Form rings of silicate groups.
Phylosilicates: Arranged in sheets of silicate layers.
Tecosilicates: Form a three-dimensional framework of interconnected silicate groups.

Solfosalts

Composed of sulfur in combination with a semi-metal (such as arsenic) and one or more metals.

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Description

This quiz explores the classification of minerals based on their chemical composition, particularly focusing on the anionic groups that define mineral categories. It will delve into various types of minerals such as native elements, sulfides, and more. Participants will learn how these classifications reflect geological environments and contemporary chemical practices.