Minerals
CH 2 Prentice Hall
p. 46-48
What is a Mineral?
• A naturally occurring,
inorganic solid that has
a crystal structure and
definite chemical
composition.
Naturally Occurring
• Must form through
Earth’s natural
processes.
– Extreme heat
– Pressure
– Evaporation
Inorganic
• Cannot come from
materials that were once
part of living things.
Solid
• Always solid, with a
definite volume and
shape.
– Particles can’t flow
freely.
Definite Chemical Composition
• A mineral always contains certain elements in
definite proportions.
• Element- a substance composed of a single
kind of atom.
– All atoms have the same chemical and physical
properties.
Definite Chemical Composition
• Compound - two or more
elements combined.
– Most minerals are compounds.
– Chemically joined.
Definite Chemical Composition
• Mixture- consists of two or more substances
that are mixed together but not chemically
combined.
Crystal Structure
• Particles of a mineral line up in a repeating
pattern. Forms a solid called a crystal.
– Has flat sides called faces, that meet at sharp
edges and corners.
Take a Look
• On the back of your paper, write down
the following for each sample:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
Number of sides
Color
Size of crystals, if there are any
Is it shiny?
Any other special observations
Mineral: Yes or No?
Mineral: Yes or No?
Mineral: Yes or No?