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A mineral is a naturally occurring substance that is solid and stable at room temperature, representable by a chemical formula, usually abiogenic, and has an ordered atomic structure. It is different from a rock, which can be an aggregate of minerals or non-minerals, and does not have a specific chemical composition. The exact definition of a mineral is under debate, especially with respect to the requirement a valid species be abiogenic, and to a lesser extent with regards to it having an ordered atomic structure. The study of minerals is called mineralogy.
There are over 4,900 known mineral species; over 4,660 of these have been approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). The silicate minerals compose over 90% of the Earth's crust. The diversity and abundance of mineral species is controlled by the Earth's chemistry. Silicon and oxygen constitute approximately 75% of the Earth's crust, which translates directly into the predominance of silicate minerals. Minerals are distinguished by various chemical and physical properties. Differences in chemical composition and crystal structure distinguish various species, and these properties in turn are influenced by the mineral's geological environment of formation. Changes in the temperature, pressure, and bulk composition of a rock mass cause changes in its mineralogy; however, a rock can maintain its bulk composition, but as long as temperature and pressure change, its mineralogy can change as well.
Minerals can be described by a variable physical properties, which relate to its chemical structure and composition. Common distinguishing characteristics include crystal structure and habit, hardness, lustre, diaphaneity, colour, streak, tenacity, cleavage, fracture, parting, and specific gravity. More specific tests for minerals include reaction to acid, magnetism, taste or smell, and radioactivity.
Minerals are classified by key chemical constituents; the two dominant systems are the Dana classification and the Strunz classification. The silicate class of minerals is subdivided into six subclasses by the degree of polymerization in the chemical structure. All silicate minerals have a base unit of a [SiO4]4- silica tetrahedra-that is, a silicon cation coordinated by four oxygen anions, which gives the shape of a tetrahedron. These tetrahedra can be polymerized to give the subclasses: orthosilicates (no polymerization, thus single tetrahedra), disilicates (two tetrahedra bonded together), cyclosilicates (rings of tetrahedra), inosilicates (chains of tetrahedra), phyllosilicates (sheets of tetrahedra), and tectosilicates (three-dimensional network of tetrahedra). Other important mineral groups include the native elements, sulfides, oxides, halides, carbonates, sulfates, and phosphates. hope this helps!
What else can I help you with?
Which property of a mineral most directly results from the internal arrangements of its atoms?
crystal shape
Which mineral property can be determined simply by observation?
Color is a mineral property that can be determined simply by observation.
What mineral property is the least useful property?
Luster is typically considered the least useful mineral property, as it does not provide much information about the mineral's identity or composition. Luster simply describes how light is reflected off the surface of a mineral, such as metallic, glassy, or dull, and can vary even within the same mineral species.
What property might you test by rubbing one mineral directly against another mineral?
You could test for the property of hardness by seeing which mineral scratches the other. The mineral that scratches the other is the harder one.
Which property is used to identify minerals uses the color of the mineral when it's broken up?
Streak is the property of a mineral that is determined by rubbing the mineral on a special plate to reveal the color of its powdered form. This can help identify minerals because a mineral's streak color is often different from its external color.
What property of a mineral is determined by its chemical composition?
The color of a mineral sample is determined by its chemical composition
Which property of a mineral most directly results from the internal arrangements of its atoms?
crystal shape
What is a mineral property that describes the way light reflects from the mineral?
The property that describes a mineral's surface shines is called luster.
In West Virginia does the owner of a property's mineral right have to notify the property owner before he sales them?
If the mineral rights have been severed from the property and the owner of the mineral rights does not own the property then there is no need to notify the property owner. It's possible to own the mineral rights and not own the property. That would be called the "mineral estate". The owner of the property if different than the mineral owner would be the owner of the "property estate". Being the "mineral estate" owner gives you the same rights as being a "property owner". You can do as you wish with your mineral interests. Only time there is a need to notify the property owner is if any leasing will be going on. Hope this helps.
What is a characteristic property of the mineral pyrite?
The characteristic property of the mineral pyrite is sand it is very shiny
Is fluorescence a reliable mineral?
Fluorescence is a property not a mineral.
Which mineral property can be determined simply by observation?
Color is a mineral property that can be determined simply by observation.
A mineral that can by a steel file The property you are testing is the mineral's?
Hardness
How do I find out if I have mineral rights on my property?
To determine if you have mineral rights on your property, you can check the deed or title documents for your property. These documents should specify whether you own the mineral rights or if they have been reserved by a previous owner. You can also consult with a real estate attorney or a landman who specializes in mineral rights to help you understand the ownership status of the mineral rights on your property.
Is a cleavage a property of a mineral?
feldspar
Which mineral property is identified by the color of the powder left behind when it is rubbed across a surface?
The mineral property identified by the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is rubbed across a surface is called the mineral's streak.
What mineral property is the least useful property?
Luster is typically considered the least useful mineral property, as it does not provide much information about the mineral's identity or composition. Luster simply describes how light is reflected off the surface of a mineral, such as metallic, glassy, or dull, and can vary even within the same mineral species.
