What factors contribute to the formation of minerals?
What factors contribute to the formation of minerals?
Physical and chemical conditions include factors such as temperature, pressure, presence of water, pH, and amount of oxygen available. Time is one of the most important factors because it takes time for atoms to become ordered. If time is limited, the mineral grains will remain very small.
What are some non silicate minerals?
3.5: Non-Silicate Minerals
| Mineral Group | Examples | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Carbonates | calcite, dolomite | Lime, Portland cement |
| Oxides | hematite, magnetite, bauxite | Ores of iron & aluminum, pigments |
| Halides | halite, sylvite | Table salt, fertilizer |
| Sulfides | galena, chalcopyrite, cinnabar | Ores of lead, copper, mercury |
What properties do we use to identify minerals?
The physical properties of minerals are determined by the atomic structure and crystal chemistry of the minerals. The most common physical properties are crystal form, color, hardness, cleavage, and specific gravity. One of the best ways to identify a mineral is by examining its crystal form (external shape).
What are the characteristics a silicate and non-silicate minerals?
Silicates are those minerals that have silicon as a component, while non-silicates do not have silicon.
What are the three most common non silicate crystal structures?
Common crystalline structures for nonsilicate minerals include cubes, hexagonal prisms, and irregular masses. The structure of a nonsilicate crystal determines the mineral’s characteristics.
Why are the silicate minerals so important?
The silicate minerals are the most important mineral class because they are by far the most abundant rock-forming minerals. This group is based on the silica (SiO4) tetrahedron structure, in which a silicon atom is covalently bonded to 4 oxygen atoms at the corners of a triangular pyramid shape.