Minerals: Building Blocks of Rocks begins with an explanation of the difference between rocks and minerals. The brief comparison is followed by a formal definition of a mineral. Elements, atoms, compounds, ions, and atomic bonding are discussed. Also investigated are isotopes and radioactivity. Following descriptions of the properties used in mineral identification, the silicate and nonsilicate mineral groups are examined. The chapter concludes with a presentation of mineral resources, reserves, and ores.

Learning Objectives

After reading, studying, and discussing the chapter, students should be able to:
·         The difference between a mineral and a rock.
·         What atoms are, their structure, and how they combine.
·         Isotopes and radioactivity.
·         Compare and contrast the different types of chemical bonding.
·         The physical properties of minerals and how they can be used for mineral identification.
·         The basic composition and structures of the silicate minerals.
·         The importance and uses of some nonsilicate minerals.
·         Mineral resources, reserves, and ores.

Chapter Outline___________________________________________________________________

   I.  Minerals: The building blocks of rocks
       A.    Mineral: definition
             1.    Naturally occurring
             2.    Inorganic
             3.    Solid
             4.    Orderly internal structure
             5.    Definite chemical structure

  II.  Composition and structure of minerals
       A.    Elements
       B.    Atom–the smallest particle of matter

III.  How atoms are constructed
       A.    Nucleus
             1.    Protons
             2.    Neutrons
       B.  Electrons in energy levels, or shells
       C.  Atomic number–number of protons
       D.  Bonding of atoms
             1.    Compound–two or more elements
             2.    Ions–atoms that gain or lose electrons
       E.    Isotopes–varying number of neutrons
             1.   Mass number–sum of neutrons and protons
             2.   Radioactive decay–emission of energy and particles

IV.  Minerals
       A.    Properties of minerals
             1.  Crystal form
             2.  Luster
             3.  Color
             4.  Streak
             5.  Hardness
             6.  Cleavage
             7.  Fracture
             8.  Specific gravity
             9.  Other
                  a.  Taste
                  b.  Smell
                  c.  Elasticity
                  d.  Malleability
                  e.  Feel
                  f.  Magnetism
                  g.  Double refraction
                  h.  Reaction to hydrochloric acid
       B.    Mineral groups
             1.  Silicate minerals
                  a.  Most common mineral group
                  b.  Silicon-oxygen tetrahedron
                      1.  Independent
                      2.  Arranged in chains
                      3.  Arranged in sheets
                      4.  Three-dimensional arrangement
                  c.  Feldspars most plentiful group
                  d.  Crystallize from molten material
             2.  Nonsilicate minerals
                  a.  Major groups
                      1.  Oxides
                      2.  Sulfides
                      3.  Sulfates
                      4.  Halides
                      5.  Carbonates
                      6.  "Native" elements
                  b.  Carbonates
                      1.  Major rock-forming group
                      2.  Found in limestone and marble
                  c.  Halite and gypsum–found in sedimentary rocks
                  d.  Many have economic value
       C.  Mineral resources
             1.  Reserves–profitable, identified deposits
             2.  Ores–metallic minerals that can be mined at a profit
             3.  Economic factors may change