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2: Minerals

Last updated

Apr 1, 2025
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- 1.2: Earth Science and Its Branches
- 2.1: Materials of Earth’s Crust

Lumen Learning
Lumen Learning

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2.1: Materials of Earth’s Crust
This page discusses the composition of Earth's crust, which includes silicate minerals, carbonates, and native elements. It suggests visiting natural history museums to learn about these materials. Additionally, it explains how atoms form molecules through chemical bonding, leading to various minerals crucial for the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
2.2: Atoms to Molecules
This page explains atom structure, detailing that atoms are the fundamental units of matter composed of a nucleus with protons and neutrons, encircled by electrons. Atomic mass is calculated from protons and neutrons. Atoms can ionize by losing or gaining electrons, becoming cations or anions. Additionally, atoms bond to form molecules, which can group to create compounds.
2.3: States of Matter
This page covers the various states of matter, including solid, liquid, gas, and plasma, each characterized by specific properties. It also discusses non-classical states such as orientational glasses, spin glasses, and liquid crystals. The transition between states is influenced by temperature and pressure changes. Additionally, it details types of magnetically ordered materials: ferromagnets, antiferromagnets, and ferrimagnets, highlighting their unique magnetic moment configurations.
2.4: Mineral Identification
This page explains how minerals are identified through physical characteristics such as color, luster, streak, and hardness. Color can be unreliable; however, streak offers a consistent identification approach. Luster is categorized as metallic or non-metallic, while hardness is measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale. Additional properties like cleavage, fracture, fluorescence, and magnetism assist in distinguishing minerals.
2.5: Minerals and Mineral Groups
This page covers the definition, classification, and properties of minerals, emphasizing their inorganic crystalline nature and specific chemical compositions. It outlines various mineral groups, such as silicates, which dominate Earth's crust, and highlights the unique characteristics of the native elements group. Additionally, it raises questions about the classification criteria and the uniqueness of minerals, prompting critical thinking about their diverse characteristics and classifications.
2.6: Mineral Formation
This page explains mineral formation from magma, lava, and solutions, highlighting crystallization from melted rock influenced by cooling rates. It also covers metamorphism and minerals precipitating from evaporated or heated water. Key vocabulary is introduced, followed by review questions addressing mineral characteristics and applications.
2.7: Mining and Mineral Use
This page covers mineral mining, detailing metal extraction from ores and gemstone utilization. It defines terms like ore and reclamation while explaining mining processes, including surface and underground methods. The environmental impacts and the necessity of reclamation laws are addressed. Additionally, it highlights the various applications of minerals, from construction to jewelry, emphasizing the need to balance resource extraction with environmental concerns.

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