Mineral - Classification, Properties, Types

mineral

Table of Contents

Introduction
Definition
Nomenclature
Occurrence and formation
The nature of minerals
- Morphology
  - Symmetry elements
  - Twinning
- Internal structure
  - Examining crystal structures
  - Space groups
  - Illustrating crystal structures
- Polymorphism
- Chemical composition
- Mineral formulas
- Compositional variation
- Chemical bonding
  - Ionic bonds
  - Covalent bonds
  - Metallic bonds
  - Van der Waals bonds
  - Hydrogen bonds
- Physical properties
  - Crystal habit and crystal aggregation
  - Cleavage and fracture
  - Lustre
  - Colour
  - Hardness
  - Tenacity
  - Specific gravity
  - Magnetism
  - Fluorescence
  - Solubility in hydrochloric acid
  - Radioactivity
Classification of minerals
- Native elements
  - Metals
  - Semimetals
  - Nonmetals
- Sulfides
- Sulfosalts
- Oxides and hydroxides
- Halides
- Carbonates
- Nitrates
- Borates
- Sulfates
- Phosphates
- Silicates
  - Nesosilicates
  - Sorosilicates
  - Cyclosilicates
  - Inosilicates
  - Phyllosilicates
  - Tectosilicates
Mineral associations and phase equilibrium
- Assemblage and the phase rule
- Phase diagrams
  - Use in igneous petrology
  - Use in metamorphic petrology
  - Use in sedimentary petrology

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Since the middle of the 19th century, minerals have been classified on the basis of their chemical composition. Under this scheme, they are divided into classes according to their dominant anion or anionic group (e.g., halides, oxides, and sulfides). Several reasons justify use of this criterion as the distinguishing factor at the highest level of mineral classification. First, the similarities in properties of minerals with identical anionic groups are generally more pronounced than those with the same dominant cation. For example, carbonates have stronger resemblance to one another than do copper minerals. Secondly, minerals that have identical dominant anions are ...(100 of 14209 words)

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