MINERALS

MINERALS

Solid material with particles arranged in a repeating pattern (crystals)

Natural, made from elements Never alive

WHERE DO THEY FORM?

Earth’s mantle (diamond) heat and pressure Near the Earth’s surface (calcite- when

calcium, oxygen, and carbon combine)

*water always plays a role in forming crystals (Galena)

MINERAL PROPERTIES

Streak- color of the powder left behind

Streak plates can be white or black

MINERAL PROPERTIES Luster- describes the surface of a mineral reflects light

MINERAL PROPERTIES

Cleavage/fracture,

MINERAL PROPERTIES

Hardness- mineral’s ability to resist being scratched Moh’s Hardness Scale 1-10

MOH’S HARDNESS SCALE

WHAT ARE THE SHAPES OF A MINERAL?

Elements in the minerals form patterns. The patterns cause minerals to form geometric shapes called

crystals. Crystals come in different geometric prisms.

HOW WE USE MINERALS

Can be used in some form: Silver/copper- musical instruments Gypsum- plaster and wallboard Halite- table salt Hematite- source of iron/steel Diamond- jewelry, drill bits

GEMS

A gem is a mineral that is rare, beautiful, usually transparent, and has a lot of luster.

Gems are cut into shapes to show their color and remove flaws.

Used in jewelry Birthstones