Mineral

Mineral Definition

A mineral is defined as an inorganic element, compound, or substance that naturally develops with an organized internal structure and/or crystal form over time. Minerals are also distinguishable by their chemical composition and physical properties, as determined in laboratories by geologists. Typical earth minerals found in most igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are feldspar, muscovite, olivine, and quartz. In fact, feldspars are the most common mineral within the earth’s crust, and olivine is one of the most common minerals in the mantle.

Mineral Classification

As of the year 2021, there are about 3,800 types of mineral names in academia. And each mineral is identified based on its physical properties. For instance: harness; fracture streak; luster; crystal structure; color; specific gravity; and density.

Crystal Structure

A mineral’s crystal structure is a reflection of how the atoms are arranged internally. And there are seven primary crystal systems: cubic; tetragonal; hexagonal; trigonal; orthorhombic; monoclinic; and triclinic.

Harness

A mineral’s relative harness is a scientific determination by whether the specimen itself scratches another mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale, or not.

Luster

Light reflection properties from the surface of a mineral sample are what define its luster. Most minerals qualify under any of the following classifications: vitreous; silky; waxy; glassy; metallic; pearly; dull; flat; and resinous.

Color

Coloring can differ in mineral specimens for many reasons. For instance, weathered mineral samples can show different shades of coloration as opposed to unweathered specimens. Nonetheless, when observing igneous rocks, geologists utilize a color index system in order to determine the mafic mineral content. Moreover, color determinations can occur without the use of the index system. For instance,  lab technicians can make a streak on a plate of porcelain to determine the “diagnostic color” of a specimen.

Specific Gravity and Density

A mineral’s specific gravity is defined by the ratio of its density and the density of water.

Minerals vs Other Rocks

The term “rock” is a global description of an aggregate substance comprising one mineral, or an assortment of other minerals together as one mass. To simplify, rocks are known to contain minerals and can be either igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary. For example, sandstones (sedimentary rock), granites (igneous rock), and marbles (metamorphic rock) are all examples of rocks that comprise a variety of minerals.

 

Similar Posts

  • Aphanitic

    ByGeo Forward

    Aphanitic Definition Aphanitic: In geology, the term aphanitic describes the texture of plutonic or volcanic igneous rocks, with grains that are not visible to the naked eye. In fact, an aphanitic texture is usually the result of faster cooling and solidification of liquid magma.

  • Consolidation

    ByGeo Forward

    Consolidation “Consolidation” in geology refers to the gradual or slow reduction in the volume of a soil sample (representing a larger soil mass), and the increase in density in response to an applied increasing load, or compressive stress.

  • Phaneritic

    ByGeo Forward

    Phaneritic Definition In geology, the term Phaneritic applies to the texture of an igneous rock. A phaneritic plutonic rock has grains that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. In fact, this indicates there was a slower rate of magmatic cooling.

  • Geosyncline

    ByGeo Forward

    Geosyncline Geosyncline: In geology, a geosyncline is a large-scale indentation in the Earth’s crust that is filled with sediments. A geosyncline forms due to the gradual sinking of the Earth’s crust, causing sediment from adjacent areas to gather inside. An example of a geosyncline is the Appalachian Mountains.

  • Darcy’s Law

    ByGeo Forward

    Darcy’s Law In the field of geology, Darcy’s Law is the universal and basic equation representing groundwater flow through a study area. Darcy’s Law Formula Q = KiA The following variables and coefficients apply to this formula: “K” = Hydraulic Conductivity; “Q” = Discharge Rate; “A” = Area of Cross-Section that Water Flows;

  • Seismic Risk Definition

    ByGeo Forward

    Seismic Risk Definition Seismic risk is the probability that a subject site will be adversely affected by any seismic hazard, such as an earthquake. Seismic risk tends to increase in areas that are more earthquake-prone and vulnerable to damage. And vulnerability refers to the potential impact on people, as well as properties. For instance, places…