Minerals (F1) Flashcards
What are Lithophiles?
‘rock-loving’
Combine readily with O
Form low-density oxide compounds Remain near surface
Very reactive
needs electrolysis for extraction
What are Siderophiles?
‘iron-loving’
• High density transition elements
• Combine more easily with Fe than O
• Form dense compounds deep within Earth
ores mined from igneous rocks of deep origin
What are Chalcophiles?
‘ore-loving’
Combine readily with S
Form high density sulphide compounds
Occur deep (not as deep as siderophiles)
easily extracted by combustion with C
What are Atmophiles?
‘gas-loving’
Occur as fluids at temp/pressure conditions of Earth’s surface
Crustal abundance reduced by loss from early atmosphere
What is a mineral?
structurally homogenous solid of chemical composition
How do crystals grow?
Crystals grow as atoms attach to mineral surfaces
What shapes are Tetraheda?u
Triangular
eg Olivine
What shapes are single chains? (atoms)
Prism
eg Pyroxene
What is Polymerisation?
Silicate tetrahedra can link up to form polymers by oxygen sharing
(Known as polymerisation)
Hardness of Finger nail?
2.5
Hardness of Copper Coin?
3.5
Hardness of steel nail?
~5.5
What is a fracture?
A fracture in a mineral is any break that does not follow a cleavage plane
What is a Cleavage?
Where there are planes of weakness in the crystal lattice, the crystal can be split to produce a flat surface.
1: One direction of cleavage produces flakes or sheets
2: When a mineral with two cleavages is broken, fragments will have shiny cleavage surfaces
3: Allows a crystal to break in any direction
4: Cuts corners of cube
6: Exists.
What is the Form?
Refers to its geometric arrangement of faces
