- http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/class.htm
- http://library.eb.com/eb/article-9067760
- http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/K12/groups/silicates.html
- http://geology.wr.usgs.gov/parks/rxmin/mineral.html#biotite
- http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/K12/groups/natives.html
- http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/K12/crystals/crystal.html
- http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/class.htm
- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2007/04/photogalleries/giant-crystals-cave/
photo3.html
Vocabulary
chemical compound A substance in which the atoms of two or more elements bond
together.
crystal A solid in which all the atoms are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern.
element A substance in all of the atoms have the same number of protons.
mineral A naturally occurring, inorganic, crystalline solid with a characteristic chemical
composition.
mineralogist A scientist who studies minerals.
silicates Minerals that contain silicon atoms bonded to oxygen atoms.
Points to Consider
- Scientistscanmakediamonds. Thediamondstheymakearecalledsyntheticdiamonds.
Explain whether or not you think synthetic diamonds are minerals. - Artists used to grind up the mineral azurite to make colorful pigments for paints. Is
the powdered azurite still crystalline? - What is one way you could tell the difference between two different minerals?
3.2 Identification of Minerals
Suppose you bought a new shirt with the money you saved from your allowance. How would
you describe your shirt when you are talking to your best friend on the phone? You might
describe the color, the way the fabric feels, and the length of the sleeves. These are all