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Types of Minerals
Section 4.2
Mineral Groups
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Minerals are classified based on their
chemical properties and characteristics
Geologists have classified minerals in
order to study and understand their
properties
Silicates
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Silicates are minerals that contain
oxygen and silicon, and usually one or
more other elements.
Silicates make up 96% of the minerals in
Earth’s crust.
Includes feldspar and quartz
Tetrahedron – a geometric solid having
4 sides that are equilateral triangles
Silicates
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Differences in silicates are due to
differences in the arrangement of their
silica tetrahedra.
Compare mica and asbestos
Carbonates
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Carbonates are minerals composed of
one or more metallic elements and the
carbonate ion (CO3 ).
Include calcite, dolomite, and
rhodochrosite
Primary minerals in limestone and
marble
What color is rhodochrosite?
Oxides
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Oxides are compounds of oxygen and
metal
What is the chemical formula of
Hematite and magnetite?
Which mineral oxide is used to generate
nuclear power?
Other groups
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Other groups include sulfides, sulfates,
halides and native elements
Native elements consist of only one
element
Ores
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Ores are minerals that contain a
valuable substance that can be mined
for profit
Which ores come from the following
minerals:
• Hematitie
• Bauxite
• Ilmenite
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Underground mining vs. Open-pit mines
Gems
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Gems are valuable minerals that are
prized for their rarity and beauty.
Includes rubies, emeralds, and
diamonds
Why are rubies and emeralds more
valuable than diamonds?