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Download What is a Mineral - Community Unit School District 308
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What is a Mineral ? Definition of Mineral • A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure. – – – – Naturally formed - not made by people Inorganic - made from non - living things Solid - Definite shape and volume Crystalline structure - repeated inner structure that helps to shape the mineral Mineral Formation • All minerals are made from elements. • Most minerals are made from compounds. • A compound is two or more elements that go through a chemical change to make a new substance. Crystal Structures • Each mineral has a definite crystalline shape or repeating inner pattern of atoms • All minerals can be classified according to their crystal structure Silicates • Minerals that contain a combination of the elements silicon and oxygen. • Make up 90% of the Earth’s crust • Examples: Quartz, Mica, Feldspar Nonsilicates • Minerals that do not contain a combination of Silicon and Oxygen. • Often contain elements such as Carbon, Fluorine, Sulfur, and Oxygen • Examples: Copper, Calcite, Fluorite, Corundum, Gypsum, Galena
