1-3 Formation and Mining of Minerals Objectives: 1.Describe the environments in which minerals form....
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Transcript of 1-3 Formation and Mining of Minerals Objectives: 1.Describe the environments in which minerals form....
1-3 Formation and Mining of MineralsObjectives:
1. Describe the environments in which minerals form.
2. Compare and contrast the different types of mining.
Formation of Minerals
• The environment determines minerals properties.
• Types:
evaporating saltwater, limestones, metamorphism, hot-water solution, pegmatites, plutons
Evaporating Saltwater Minerals
• Form when a body of salt water dries up.
• Halite• Gypsum
Limestone Minerals
• Form when surface and ground water carry dissolved minerals into lakes and seas.
• Calcite• Dolomite
Metamorphic Minerals
• Form when heat and pressure changes the structure of existing minerals
• Garnet• Magnetite
Hot-water Solution Minerals
• Form when water heated by magma dissolves metals and other minerals into a solution. These crystallize when the water evaporates.
• Gold• Sulfur
Pegmatite Minerals
• Tear shaped bodies of magma take a long time to cool – therefore they form large crystals.
• Tourmaline• Topaz
Pluton Minerals
• Magma that is close to the surface, but far enough underground that it is well insulated and cools slowly.
• Quartz• Mica
Mining
• Ore – a mineral deposit large enough to be mined for profit.
Surface Mining
• The removal of minerals or other materials at or near Earth’s surface.
• Open pit mines• Quarries• Strip mines• Copper and aluminum
are mined this way.
Deep Mining
• The removal of minerals or other materials from deep within the earth.
• Diamonds and coal are commonly mined this way.
Value of Minerals
• Gems – minerals that are very rare and attractive. They are admired for their beauty rather than their usefulness.
Metals – from mineral ores – chalcopyrite (copper), galena (lead), beryl (beryllium), chromite (chromium)
Responsible Mining
• Reclamation – returns a mined area to its natural state after mining is complete. It has been required since the 1970’s and has improved on the habitat of many animals and plants.