Mica Group Minerals Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the chemical formula for Biotite?

K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2

K(Mg,Fe2+)3(Al,Fe3+)[(Al,Si)3O10](OH,F)2 (correct)

K(Mg,Fe2+3)(Al,Fe3+)Si3O10(OH,F)2 (correct)

KAl3Si3O10(OH)2

What is the hardness range of Biotite?

2.5 - 3

What is the primary rock type associated with Lepidolite?

Igneous

Muscovite can appear in a variety of colors and forms.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific gravity range of Lepidolite?

2.8 - 2.9 Signup and view all the answers

The luster of Muscovite is ______.

Pearly Signup and view all the answers

Match the following minerals to their chemical formulas:

Biotite = K(Mg,Fe2+3)(Al,Fe3+)Si3O10(OH,F)2 Lepidolite = K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2 Muscovite = KAl3Si3O10(OH)2 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biotite

Chemical formula: K(Mg,Fe2+3)(Al,Fe3+)Si3O10(OH,F)2; includes members of the Mica group.
Members: Phlogopite, Siderophyllite, Eastonite, Annite, Fluorannite, Tetraferriannite.
Composition: Basic fluoro potassium, magnesium, iron aluminum silicate.
Colors vary: Black, dark brown, dark green, reddish black; lighter colors in members like Phlogopite and Eastonite.
Streak: White; Hardness: 2.5 - 3.
Crystal system: Monoclinic; forms include thick flakes, micaceous masses, and tabular shapes.
Transparency ranges from translucent to opaque; specific gravity: 2.8 - 3.4.
Luster: Pearly; Cleavage: 1,1; Fracture: uneven; Tenacity: sectile, elastic.
Environmental context: Common in metamorphic rocks (schist, gneiss) and igneous rocks (granites, rhyolites); primary mica in rare earth pegmatites.

Lepidolite

Chemical formula: K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2; a lithium aluminum fluoro-silicate.
Color typically ranges from pink to purple, with occasional light gray and yellow shades.
Streak: White; Hardness: 2.5 - 3.
Crystal system: Monoclinic; forms often as small, scaly crystals in dense aggregates.
Transparency: Transparent to translucent; Specific gravity: 2.8 - 2.9.
Luster: Pearly; Cleavage: 1,1; Fracture: uneven; Tenacity: sectile, elastic.
Found primarily in high-lithium granite pegmatites, distinguishing its environmental preference.

Muscovite

Chemical formula: KAl3Si3O10(OH)2; may contain chromium or manganese.
Variable composition: K(Al,Cr,Mn)3Si3O10(OH)2; occurs in diverse colors, including colorless, white, beige, yellow, brown, gray, green, pink, purple, red, and black.
Streak: Colorless; Hardness: 2 - 2.5.
Crystal system: Monoclinic; forms thick flakes, micaceous masses, and unique aggregates (e.g., bladed crystals, star-shaped formations).
Transparency: Transparent to translucent; Specific gravity: 2.7 - 3.0.
Luster: Pearly; Cleavage: 1,1; Fracture: uneven; Tenacity: sectile, elastic.
Essential in various geological settings, notably in granite pegmatites, contact metamorphic rocks, schists, and hydrothermal veins; significant deposits mainly come from granite pegmatites.

Description

Dive into the fascinating world of the Mica Group with these flashcards. Learn about the chemical formulas, individual members, and their characteristics, including Biotite and its varieties. Perfect for geology enthusiasts and students alike.