Download Minerals are all around us!

Minerals are all around us!
Minerals are defined by their 4
characteristics




Gold
Forms in nature
Is a Solid
Has a definite chemical make-up
Has a crystal structure
Feldspar
Minerals form in
nature

Gypsum
Every mineral can be
formed in nature by
processes that do not
involve living
organisms




Gold
Quartz
Water evaporates
Hot water cools
Molten rock cools
Heat and pressure
cause changes
Graphite
Minerals are Solids


Have a definite
volume and rigid
shape
Ex: Liquid water is
not a
mineral,
however
ice is
Minerals have a definite chemical
makeup

sodium
chlorine
Halite

To be considered a
mineral you must
have a specific
combination of
atoms of certain
elements.
Types of atoms
that make up a
mineral are what
make it unique
Minerals have a crystal structure


Atoms are arranged in an orderly
repeating 3-D structure
Every mineral has its own crystal structure
Silica
Halite
Feldspar
Activity


Create a 4 door foldable describing the 4
characteristics of minerals
Use pages A 43-46 and 62-63 to help you
Silver