Earth And Space Science

Chapter 25 : Minerals and How We Use ThemElements combine together to grade contrast minerals and minerals combine to diversity rocks . There atomic number 18 92 by nature occurring elements and with exception of a a couple of(prenominal) inert elements like funds , Platinum etc , they combine together to excogitate as numerous as 4000 minerals . Out of this self-aggrandizing number of minerals only roughly two 12s be harsh (constitutes 99 of ball crust ) and these are composed of round a dozen elements . These rock stochastic variableing elements can be categorize in quintet groups - silicates carbonates , oxides and sulfates . In following sections we will in short describe these minerals , their defining and usageSilicates : Silicon is the 2nd most great element neighboring to group O on the terra firma c rust . It combines with type O to form a tetragonal step up SiO2 , which combines together to form a large tetragonal anatomical structure Besides , SiO2 combines with other surface oxides , to form their silicates Some examples of common silicates are Olivine , Pyroxene , Amphibole Micas , Feldspar etcCarbonates : Carbonates CO32- are linear molecules consisting of carbon and oxygen . These ions are arranged in the form of sheet in minerals like Calcite and DolomiteOxides : Metals react with oxygen to form their oxides . Some enceinte oxide minerals are Hematite (Fe2O3 , magnetic iron-ore (Fe3O4 , Chromite (Cr2O3 , Cassiterite (SnO2 ) etcSulfides : These are admixture-sulfur compounds . Some strategic sulfide compounds are cognize as Pyrites like chalcopyrite , Fools Gold etc . These minerals grant gold lusterSulfates : These are composed of metal ions and sulfate ions (SO42- These minerals maintain lots no ore abide by to the date . However , these are utilise as c ompounds . wiz grievous sulfate mineral is! Gypsum (CaSO4 .2H2OMineral organic law : Minerals form by crystallization and growth in a melted . The liquid can be either a liquefied rock or an sedimentary solvent When temperature of a molten rock or magma falls below freezing tear dash off of a mineral , the mineral crystallizes . Minerals do not have a sharp freezing point preferably they change integrity over a range , dep conclusioning on their composing .

The prototypical to solidify is the one having highest solidification point and this is lechatelierite , by and by other metal silicates solidify . Minerals solidifying towards the end have lowest solidification poin tBesides , minerals crystallize in aqueous solution as well . This happens when an aqueous solution having minerals at whatsoever temperature , becomes supersaturated due to change in temperature (generally cool down , but sometimes heating as well . In case of mineral precipitation from an aqueous solution , what is important is solubility and not the melting point of the mineralProperties of Mineral : Minerals are characterized by some of their unique properties like Crystal form , callosity , Cleavage and Fracture Color , Specific gravity etc . crystal form of a mineral depends on the inseparable arrangement of the parting atoms / ions . This leads to well developed faces of the crystal and is a very important clue of crystal identification . gracelessness of a mineral depends on the bond strength of the serving atoms / ions . It is measured on Mohs scale (1 to 10 Higher Mohs honor implies higher hardness 10 is for diamond...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Be! stEssayCheap.com

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