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minerals formed underground from three-dimensional repeating patterns of atoms.
minerals formed underground from three-dimensional repeating patterns of atoms.
crystal
used in industrial saws and ropes for cutting stone blocks and
ornamental stones.
used in industrial saws and ropes for cutting stone blocks and ornamental stones.
diamond bits
all used in the watch industry.
all used in the watch industry.
quartz,ruby and sapphire
ordered arrangement of atoms, ions or molecules in a crystalline material.
ordered arrangement of atoms, ions or molecules in a crystalline material.
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smallest constituent of ordinary matter that has the properties of a
chemical element.
smallest constituent of ordinary matter that has the properties of a chemical element.
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experimental science of determining the arrangement of atoms
in crystalline solids.
experimental science of determining the arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids.
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is an atom or molecule that has a non zero net electrical charge
is an atom or molecule that has a non zero net electrical charge
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an electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by
chemical bonds.
an electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
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smallest group of particles in the material that constitutes the repeating pattern is
the unit cell of the structure
smallest group of particles in the material that constitutes the repeating pattern is the unit cell of the structure
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regular arrangement of atoms within a crystalline solid.
regular arrangement of atoms within a crystalline solid.
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The number of atoms with each atom is in direct contact
The number of atoms with each atom is in direct contact
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percentage of the volume of the unit cell occupied by the spheres
percentage of the volume of the unit cell occupied by the spheres
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Study Notes
Minerals and Crystals
Minerals are a fundamental part of our planet, making up the Earth's crust and providing essential resources for various industries. Understanding minerals, particularly their crystal structures, is crucial for various applications, from gemology to industrial processes. This article will delve into the world of minerals, focusing on their crystal systems and the subtopics of crystal habits.
Crystal Systems and Mineral Habits
Crystal systems are a crucial aspect of mineralogy, as they help classify minerals based on their atomic structure. Minerals can form in various crystal systems, with each system having specific characteristics. The main crystal systems include:
- Orthorhombic System: All axes are of equal lengths, meeting at right angles. Examples include fluorite and pyrite.
- Monoclinic System: Two of the axes meet at right angles, while the third axis does not. Examples include azurite and jadeite.
- Triclinic System: All axes are of different lengths and do not meet at right angles. Examples include axinite and rhodonite.
- Hexagonal System: Crystals have six sides, with three equal in length and meeting at 60º, and a vertical axis at 90º. Examples include beryl and zincite.
Mineral habits refer to the way crystals grow and form, which can be influenced by various factors such as temperature, pressure, and chemical composition. Understanding mineral habits is essential for identifying minerals and understanding their geological context.
Crystal Habits of Select Minerals
Some common minerals and their crystal habits include:
- Chrysoberyl: Monoclinic system
- Cordierite: Triclinic system
- Iolite: Monoclinic system
- Danburite: Triclinic system
- Zoisite: Monoclinic system
- Tanzanite: Triclinic system
- Thulite: Triclinic system
- Enstatite: Hexagonal system
- Hemimorphite: Triclinic system
- Fibrolite/Sillimanite: Monoclinic system
- Hypersthene: Orthorhombic system
- Olivine: Orthorhombic system
- Peridot: Orthorhombic system
- Sulfur: Orthorhombic system
- Topaz: Orthorhombic system
These minerals, along with many others, exhibit unique crystal habits that are essential for their identification and classification.
Amorphous Materials and Gems
While most gemstones are minerals with specific crystal systems, some gem materials do not form crystals. These amorphous materials are not minerals and include substances like amber, glass, ivory, jet, moldavite, and opal. Some materials can contain crystals of minerals but are not crystalline themselves and are referred to as polycrystalline.
Understanding minerals and their crystal systems is vital for various applications, from gemology to industrial processes. As our modern society relies heavily on minerals for diverse needs, it's crucial to continue studying and understanding these essential components of our planet.
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Description
Test your knowledge on mineral crystal systems and habits with this quiz! Explore the various crystal systems, including Orthorhombic, Monoclinic, Triclinic, and Hexagonal, and learn about the unique crystal habits of select minerals. Understand the importance of crystal structures in mineralogy and their applications in gemology and industrial processes.
