Naturally occurring

Inorganic solid
Ordered internal molecular structure
Definite chemical composition
Definition of a mineral
A solid aggregate or mass of minerals
Definition of a rock
Basic building blocks of minerals
Over 112 are known (92 naturally occurring)
Elements
Smallest particles of matter
Retains all the characteristics of an element
Atoms
Composition of minerals
Consists of protons (positive charges) and neutrons (neutral charges)
Central region called the nucleus
Negatively charged particles that surround the nucleus
Located in discrete energy levels called shells
Electrons
Atomic structure
Compounds form by combining two or more elements via atomic bonding
Hardness
Cleavage (how easy a mineral splits)
The ability to dissolve in water
Crystal form or shape
Bonding determines some of the main physical properties of minerals
Minerals are Compounds
Atoms gin or lose outermost (valence) electrons to form ions
Ionic compounds consist of an orderly arrangement of oppositely charged ions
Ionic bonding
Atoms share electrons to achieve electrical neutrality
Covalent compounds are generally stronger than ionic bonds
Covalent bonding
Valence electrons are free to migrate among atoms
Weaker and less common than ionic or covalent bonds
Metallic bonding
Types of Bonds
Mass number is the sum of neutrons plus protons in an atom
An isotope is an atom that exhibits variation in its mass number
Some isotopes have unstable nuclei that emit particles and energy in a process known
as radioactive decay

Isotopes and radioactive decay

Composition of minerals
Minerals consist of an orderly array of atoms chemically bonded to form a particular
crystalline structure

Two or more minerals with the same chemical composition but different crystalline
Polymorphs
Structure of minerals
Minerals: Building Blocks of Rocks
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Two or more minerals with the same chemical composition but different crystalline
structures

Diamond and graphite are good examples of polymorphs

External expression of the orderly internal arrangement of atoms
Crystal growth is often interrupted because of competition for space
Crystal Form
Appearance of a mineral in reflected light
Metallic
Nonmetallic
Two basic categories
Other terms are used to further describe luster such as vitreous, silky, or earthy
Luster
Generally an unreliable diagnostic property to use for mineral identification
Often highly variable for a given mineral due to slight changes in mineral chemistry
Exotic colorations of some minerals produce gemstones
Color
Color of a mineral in its powered form
Helpful in distinguishing different forms of the same mineral
Streak
Resistance of a mineral to abrasion or scratching
All minerals are compared to a standard scale called Mohs scale of hardness
Hardness
Tendency to break along planes of weak bonding
Produces flat, shiny surfaces
Cleavage
Absence of cleavage when a mineral is broken
Fracture
Ratio of the weight of a mineral to the weight of an equal volume of water
Average value is approximately 2.7
Specific Gravity
Magnetism
Reaction of hydrochloric acid
Malleability
Double refraction
Taste
Smell
Elasticity
Radioactivity
Fluorescence
Other properties
Physical properties of minerals
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