Download Mineralogy Introduction

Mineralogy Introduction
GLY 4200 - Lecture 1 – Fall, 2012
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Classical Definition of “Mineral”
• From Edward Salisbury Dana:
 “A body produced by the
processes of inorganic nature,
having usually a definite chemical
composition and, if formed under
favorable conditions, a certain
characteristic atomic structure
which is expressed in its
crystalline form and other
properties.”
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Modern Definition of “Mineral”
• From C. Klein,
 “A mineral is a naturally occurring solid
with a highly ordered atomic arrangement
and a definite (but not fixed) chemical
composition. It is usually formed by
inorganic processes.”
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Properties Which a Mineral Must
Possess
• 1 Occur naturally (synthetic materials are not
minerals)
• 2 Be inorganic - except perhaps those formed by
biomineralization
• 3 Have a definite atomic arrangement (crystallinity)
• 4 Small range of physical and chemical properties
(some minerals have a compositional range, rather
than a fixed chemical composition)
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