Mineral - Phosphates, Crystalline Structure, Chemical Compounds | Britannica

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

References & Edit History Related Topics

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Although this mineral class is large (with almost 700 known species), most of its members are quite rare. Apatite [Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F, Cl, OH)], however, is one of the most important and abundant phosphates. The members of this group are characterized by tetrahedral anionic (PO₄)^3– complexes, which are analogous to the (SO₄)^2– groups of the sulfates. The phosphorus ion, with a valence of positive five, is only slightly larger than the sulfur ion, which carries a positive six charge. Arsenates and vanadates are similar to phosphates. ...(100 of 14209 words)

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