Properties of Common Minerals Reading Worksheet Answers Quick Guide
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Properties of Common Minerals Reading Worksheet Answers
Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that have a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are essential for various processes in nature. In this reading worksheet, we will explore the properties of some common minerals and understand how these properties help identify and differentiate them.
1. Quartz
– Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth, and it has a variety of colors, including clear, purple, and pink.
– Its hardness is 7 on the Mohs scale, making it resistant to scratching and durable.
– Quartz has a hexagonal crystal structure and is often found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
– It has a specific gravity of 2.65, meaning it is relatively light compared to other minerals.
– Quartz is known for its distinct conchoidal fracture, which means it breaks with smooth, curved surfaces.
2. Feldspar
– Feldspar is a group of minerals that are commonly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
– It comes in various colors, including white, pink, and green.
– Feldspar has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, making it less resistant to scratching than quartz.
– It has a monoclinic crystal structure and a specific gravity of around 2.6.
– Feldspar is often used in the production of ceramics and glass due to its low melting point and high durability.
3. Calcite
– Calcite is a common mineral that is found in sedimentary rocks like limestone and marble.
– It can be colorless, white, or various shades of yellow and green.
– Calcite has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the softer minerals.
– It has a rhombohedral crystal structure and a specific gravity of 2.71.
– Calcite is known for its effervescent reaction with hydrochloric acid, producing bubbles of carbon dioxide gas.
4. Mica
– Mica is a group of minerals that are known for their perfect cleavage and thin, sheet-like structure.
– It comes in various colors, including black, brown, and silver.
– Mica has a hardness of 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and easy to break.
– It has a monoclinic crystal structure and a specific gravity of around 2.8-3.0.
– Mica is commonly used in the manufacturing of electrical insulators and cosmetics due to its heat-resistant properties.
5. Halite
– Halite, also known as rock salt, is a mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks like evaporites.
– It is colorless or white, with a salty taste when dissolved in water.
– Halite has a hardness of 2-2.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the softest minerals.
– It has a cubic crystal structure and a specific gravity of around 2.17.
– Halite is used in various industries, including food preservation, de-icing roads, and water softening.
6. Talc
– Talc is a mineral that is known for its greasy feel and low hardness.
– It is often white, green, or gray in color.
– Talc has a hardness of 1 on the Mohs scale, making it the softest mineral.
– It has a monoclinic crystal structure and a specific gravity of around 2.7.
– Talc is commonly used in the production of talcum powder, ceramics, and paper products due to its lubricating properties.
In conclusion, the properties of common minerals play a crucial role in their identification and differentiation. By understanding factors such as hardness, color, crystal structure, and specific gravity, geologists and mineralogists can accurately classify and assess the significance of various minerals in nature. Furthermore, the unique properties of minerals like quartz, feldspar, calcite, mica, halite, and talc contribute to their diverse applications in various industries, from construction to manufacturing. By studying and appreciating the properties of common minerals, we can gain a deeper understanding of the Earth’s geological processes and the essential role that minerals play in shaping our environment.
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