Element(ary) My(nerals), dear

(Rock)son!!!What’s the difference?

GoalsO You will be able to distinguish rocks

from minerals and elements at the end of these notes

O You will be able to describe the differences between rocks, elements, and minerals

What comes to your mind when You think of Elements?

O Smallest piece of matterO Mass number/Atomic numberO Proton/Neutron/Electron

What comes to mind when you hear the word Minerals?

O Vitamins and MineralsO ValuableO Mineral buildup (hard water)O …

Real DefinitionsO Minerals- Naturally occurring,

inorganic solid that possesses definite chemical structure with unique physical properties.

Quartz

Diamond

Characteristics of Minerals

1. Naturally Occurring2. Inorganic –Never Alive3. Must be solid4. Must have definite chemical

structure

Examples of MineralsO Quartz

O Chemical formula: SiO2O Crystal structure: Multi-

faceted(faced), elongated, with flat faces and no specific fracture pattern

O Most prized pieces are large and clear but there are many variants based on impurities

Examples of MineralsO Orthoclase Feldspar

O Chemical formula: KAlSi2O8O Crystal Structure: molecules form 3-

Dimensional network with anhedral (no organizations) crystal structure

O Appearance: Usually light pink in color, but varies

Examples of MineralsO Horneblende

O Chemical formula: Ca2(Mg, Fe, Al)5 (Al, Si)8O22(OH)2 ; the Mg, Fe, and Al are interchangeable in the first group as the Al and Si are in the second. The (OH) is a hydroxide unit.

O Crystal structure and appearance: Black irregular structure

What comes to mind when you hear the word Rocks?O DirtyO HardO ______s are dumb, throw Rocks at

them…O …

Real DefinitionsO Rock- A collection or aggregation of

minerals

Example: GraniteGranite

Quartz

Feldspar

Hornblende

Difference Between Rocks and Minerals

O RocksO Collections of

minerals and other materials

O Consolidated mixtures of minerals

O MineralsO A naturally

occurring, inorganic crystalline material with a unique chemical makeup

Characteristics of Minerals

O Minerals are identified by their physical characteristicsO LusterO ColorO HardnessO CleavageO StreakO Diaphaneity (light

transmission)O TenacityO Crystal formO MagnetismO Refraction or

double refractionO TasteO OdorO Reactivity

Vocab.O Use the handout and your partner to

complete the vocabulary for this section in your notes. We will have a vocabulary check on Tuesday for this set and the previous set.