#separator:tab #html:true Definition of mineralA naturally occurring inorganic solid that has an orderly crystalline structure and a definite chemical composition that allows for some variation """Naturally occuring"""Formed by natural geological processes, as opposed to artificial methods """Generally inorganic"""Inorganic crystalline solids found naturally in the ground """Solid substance"""Only solid crystalline substances are considered minerals """Orderly crystalline structure"""Atoms and ions of minerals are arranged in an orderly and repetitive manner """Definite chemical composition that allows for some variation"""Chemical compositions of minerals can very slightly, such as with quartz and its different colors ProtonsDense particles with a positive charge How is the atomic number of an element determined?The number of protons in the nucleus NeutronsDense particle with no charge What particles are in the nucleus of an atom?Protons and neutrons AtomSmallest particle that cannot be chemically split ElectronsParticle with a negative charge Covalent bondResult of a pair of atoms sharing one or more valence electrons Ionic BondResult of an atom giving up one or more electrons to form ions IonA positively or negatively charged atom Metallic BondResult of multiple atoms contributing their valence electrons to a freely moving pool of electrons ElementAtoms with the same number of protons, as well as the same chemical and physical properties Chemical CompoundResult of elements joining with other elements Octet RuleAtoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons until eight valence electrons have been attained Chemical BondTransfer or sharing of electrons that allows each atom to gain a full shell of valence electrons Diagnostic PropertiesUnique traits some minerals possess that are particularly useful in identification (example: hematite is dark-colored, but has a bright red streak) Ambiguous PropertiesProperties of minerals that vary among different specimens (example: color) LusterThe appearance or quality of light reflected from the surface of a mineral Common terms to describe lusterMetallic, submetallic, nonmetallic, vitreous/glassy, dull/earthy ColorPhenomena of light that allows for objects to be differentiated StreakColor of a mineral in powdered form Ability to transmit lightThe ability to see through mineral samples to varying degrees (common terms: opaque, transluscent, and transparent) Crystal shape/habitShape of an individual crystal or an aggregate of crystals HardnessMeasure of a mineral's resistance to scratching and abrasion Mohs scaleA series of ten minerals used as a standard in determining hardness CleavageThe tendency of a mineral to break along planes of weak bonding FractureAny break or rupture along a rock TenacityA mineral's resistance to breaking or deforming DensityA property of matter defined as mass per unit of volume Specific gravityThe ratio of a substance's weight to the weight of an equal volume of water Rock-forming mineralsThe relatively few minerals that make up most of the rocks within Earth's crust Economic mineralA mineral used extensively in the manufacture of products Classification of minerals (hierarchy)Mineral species (quartz) -> mineral varieties (smoky quartz, amethyst) SilicateA mineral that has the silicon-oxygen tetrahedron as its basic structure Eight elements that make up rock-forming mineralsOxygen (O), silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) NonsilicateMineral groups that lack silica in structures, thus accounting for less than ten percent of Earth's crust Silicon-oxygen tetrahedronA structure composed of four oxygen atoms surrounding a single silicon atom that constitutes the basic building block of silicate minerals Independent tetrahedronSimplest silicate structure PolymerizationThe ability of a silicate tetrahedra to link together in a variety of configurations, such as chains, sheets, and three-dimensional structures Light/Nonferromagnesian silicateSilicate mineral that lacks iron and/or magnesium, which tend to have lighter colors and lower specific gravities Potassium feldsparAbundant light silicate containing potassium ions Plagioclase feldsparType of feldspar containing both sodium and calcium ions that freely substitute for one another depending on the crystallization environment QuartzCommon silicate mineral consisting entirely of silicon and oxygen, resists weathering well MuscoviteCommon member of mica family that has an excellent cleavage (sheets) Clay (mineral)Group of light-colored silicates that is a result of the weathering of igneous rocks. It is a major component of sedimentary rocks and soil Dark/ferromagnesian silicateSilicate mineral that contains ions of iron and/or magnesium and thus is much darker in color wtih a higher specific gravity OlivineHigh-temperature dark silicate usually found in basalt AugiteBlack silicate mineral that is a dominant component of basalt HornblendeDark green to black mineral found in igneous rocks BiotiteDark iron-rich mineral with excellent cleavage GarnetSilicate mineral composed of individual silica tetrahedrons and exhibits conchoidal fracture CalciteCalcium carbonate, one of the two most common carbonate minerals DolomiteCalcium/magnesium carbonate, one of the two most common carbonate minerals HaliteTable salt, commonly found in layers that are the last vestiges of ancient evaporated seas GypsumHydrated calcium sulfate mineral from which plaster, drywall, and other building materials are made Common nonsilicate mineral groupsCarbonates, halides, oxides, sulfides, sulfates, native/single elements Common silicate mineral groupsOlivine, pyroxene, amphibole, biotite, muscovite, potassium feldspar, plagioclase, quartz RenewableRefers to a resource that is virtually inexhaustible or that can be replenished over short time spans NonrenewableRefers to a resource that forms or accumulates over such long time spans that it must be considered as fixed in total quantity Mineral resourceAll discovered and undiscovered deposits of a useful mineral that can be extracted now or at some point in the future Ore depositA useful metallic mineral that can be mined at a profit or certain nonmetallic minerals