Minerals Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a characteristic that defines a mineral?

Amorphous solid

Variable chemical composition

Organic in origin

Ordered internal structure (correct)

What type of bond involves the sharing of electrons?

Ionic bond

Hydrogen bond

Covalent bond (correct)

Metallic bond

Which statement about crystals is correct?

Crystals can be formed only through organic processes.

They have random internal atomic arrangements.

Crystal faces reflect the mineral’s chemical properties.

They must have a definite external shape. (correct)

What is the main distinction between ionic and metallic bonds?

Ionic bonds involve the giving and taking of electrons, while metallic bonds allow free exchange. Signup and view all the answers

How many approved minerals were recognized by IMA-CNMNC as of May 2021?

5744 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor driving the plate tectonic system?

Earth's internal heat Signup and view all the answers

Which layer of the Earth is primarily composed of liquid rock?

Outer core Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes mantle convection?

Circulation of molten rock within the mantle Signup and view all the answers

What do seismic waves primarily indicate about the Earth's interior?

The composition and structure of different layers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between the Earth's crust and the mantle?

The crust consists of low-density rocks, while the mantle is denser Signup and view all the answers

In terms of seismic velocity profiles, which layer of the Earth typically has the highest velocity?

Inner Core Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the mechanical layers of the Earth?

The lithosphere includes both crust and upper mantle Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the variation in seismic wave speeds through different Earth layers?

Differences in material density and composition Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanical property is most associated with the lithosphere?

It is brittle and can fracture. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of seismic waves in studying the Earth's interior?

To map the different layers of the Earth Signup and view all the answers

What primarily affects the size of the minerals formed during crystallization?

Rate of cooling Signup and view all the answers

Which environment is characterized by high temperature and pressure conditions altering the crystalline structure?

Metamorphic Signup and view all the answers

What type of mineral formation occurs via chemical weathering?

Sedimentary Signup and view all the answers

In what mineral classification group do gold and copper belong?

Native elements Signup and view all the answers

Which mineral is predominantly composed of the silica tetrahedron structure?

Quartz Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as affecting mineral growth?

Magma viscosity Signup and view all the answers

What type of mineral formation occurs as a result of evaporation?

Evaporite Signup and view all the answers

What type of mineral typically forms from biological processes?

Apatite Signup and view all the answers

How are minerals classified based on their dominant anion?

Dominant anion or anionic group Signup and view all the answers

Which type of igneous rock is associated with slower cooling rates leading to larger crystals?

Gabbro Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond is generally found in sulfides?

Ionic bond Signup and view all the answers

What is the average percentage of oxygen in the continental crust?

46.6% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common rock-forming mineral?

Garnets Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Minerals

Naturally occurring, inorganic, homogeneous solid with a definite chemical composition and ordered internal structure.
Minerals are made up of matter.
Matter exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas.
Matter is made up of atoms that are the smallest units that retain the properties of an element.
Atoms are made up of subatomic particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons.
**Chemical ** bonds are the forces holding atoms together.
Covalent bonds form by atoms sharing electrons.
Ionic bonds form by atoms giving electrons away.
Metallic bonds form where electrons are free to move throughout the metal, this makes metals good conductors.
Crystals are minerals or other solids with a definite chemical composition and external shape.
Crystals form when a solid forms from a liquid or gas.
Crystal faces are the external expression of the mineral's internal atomic structure.
5744 approved minerals by IMA-CNMNC as of May 2021.
Approximately 30 common minerals.
Approximately 10 rock-forming minerals.

Mineral Formation

Minerals can form in various environments, including:
- Magmatic: from magma
- Hydrothermal: from hot fluids
- Metamorphic: from higher P-T (pressure and temperature)
- Evaporite: from evaporation
- Sedimentary: from weathering or organisms.
Minerals can form through crystallization.
Crystallization is the process by which a solid forms from a liquid or gas.
Nucleation is the initial formation of a solid from a liquid or gas.
Growth is the process by which the solid grows in size.
Factors that affect the rate of mineral growth include:
- Rate of cooling
- Amount of gas present
- Magma composition
Magma is molten rock found beneath the earth's surface.
Hydrothermal fluids are hot, aqueous solutions that are often rich in dissolved minerals.
Metamorphic environments are characterized by high temperatures and pressures.
Evaporite environments are characterized by high evaporation rates.
Sedimentary environments are characterized by the accumulation of sediments.

Mineral Classification

Minerals are classified based on their chemical composition and internal structure.
Minerals are divided into silicates and non-silicates.
Silicates are minerals that contain silicon and oxygen.
Non-silicates are minerals that do not contain silicon and oxygen.
The most common minerals found in the earth's crust:
- Plagioclase
- Alkali feldspar
- Quartz
- Pyroxene
- Amphibole
- Mica
- Clay
- Other
- Non-silicates
- Silicates
Bowen's reaction series is a diagram that shows the order in which minerals crystallize from magma.
Bowen’s Reaction Series:
- Ultramafic (Dunite, Komatiite)
- Gabbro
- Basalt
- Diorite
- Andesite
- Granite
- Rhyolite

Non-silicates

Native elements: composed of one element such as gold, iron, copper, diamond.
Sulfides: composed of a metal and sulfur such as galena, cinnabar, pyrite.
Sulfosalts: composed of a metal and a semi-metal such as enargite.
Oxides: composed of a metal and oxygen such as hematite, magnetite.
Hydroxides: composed of a metal and OH or H2O such as goethite.
Halides: composed of a metal and halogen such as fluorite, halite, sylvite.
Carbonates: composed of a metal and CO3 such as calcite, dolomite
Sulfates: composed of a metal and SO4 such as gypsum.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental properties and classifications of minerals. It explores the atomic structure, chemical bonds, and the formation of crystals. Test your knowledge on the significance of minerals and their characteristics.