Unit 4, Lesson 1: Characteristics of Minerals

Learning Targets

• Describe the five characteristics of all minerals.
• Determine whether an object is a mineral and explain why.

Success Criteria

• List the five common characteristics of minerals.
• Determine if something is a mineral and provide reasoning.

Introduction

• Focus on what distinguishes minerals from non-minerals.
• Examples of minerals: Gold, Galena.
• Rocks are composed of minerals.

Five Characteristics of Minerals

1. Naturally Occurring

   • Not manmade.
   • Examples: Feather, shell, rock.
   • Non-examples: Pen, magnet, paintbrush.

2. Solid

   • Must be in solid form, not liquid or gas.

3. Definite Chemical Composition

   • Specific chemical formula.
   • Example: Fluorite (CaF2), always has 1 calcium per 2 fluorine atoms.
   • Arranged in an orderly pattern.

4. Inorganic

   • Never been alive.
   • Example: Diamond (formed from carbon).
   • Non-example: Dinosaur bones, pearls (organic origin).

Examples

• Pearls

  • Solid, definite chemical composition, naturally occurring.
  • Not a mineral (organic origin from oysters).

• Halite (Table Salt)

  • Naturally occurring, solid, definite chemical composition (NaCl), orderly pattern, inorganic.
  • Considered a mineral.

Categorization of Minerals

• Based on chemical and physical properties.
• Chemical Properties: Types of elements.
• Physical Properties: Observable features like color and hardness.

Mineral Groups

• Silicates: Contains silicon and oxygen, 90% of Earth's crust.
• Other Groups: Carbonates, Sulfides, Oxides, Sulfates, Phosphates, Halides.

Common Minerals

• Quartz, Mica, Feldspar, Calcite.

Uses of Minerals

• Electronics: Mica and Quartz.
• Cosmetics: General usage.
• Transportation and Building: Hematite and Iron.
• Nutrition: Fortified foods with minerals like cereals.

Conclusion

• Understanding the characteristics and uses of minerals is crucial.
• Minerals are integral to various aspects of daily life, including technology and nutrition.