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Understanding Minerals: Characteristics and Classification

This section of 7th Grade Science explores the fascinating world of minerals. A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition. Key characteristics used to identify minerals include color, streak, luster, density, and hardness measured by Mohs Hardness Scale. Additionally, minerals can exhibit unique properties such as magnetism, fluorescence, and reactivity. Special focus is given to crystal systems, cleavage, and fracture patterns, aiding in the classification and identification of various minerals encountered in nature.

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Understanding Minerals: Characteristics and Classification

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  1. 7th Grade Science Minerals section 3-1

  2. Minerals • A mineral is • Naturally occurring • Inorganic or not dead material • Solid • Crystal Structure • Definite chemical composition • Not a mineral (coal)

  3. Minerals • Inorganic- material was never part of an organism that was once living • Crystal- A repeating pattern of a minerals particles. • Not a mineral (coal)

  4. Minerals • Each Mineral has characteristic properties that can be used to identify it • Color • Streak  the color of its powder • Luster How light is reflected from the minerals surface

  5. Minerals • Density the amount of “stuff” packed into a given area mass per unit volume

  6. Hardness measured by Moh’s Hardness Scale a scale that ranks 10 minerals in order from softest (talc)to hardest (diamond)

  7. Minerals • Crystal Systems • Cleavage where a mineral splits along a flat surface • Fracture  when a mineral breaks apart in an irregular way

  8. Minerals • Special properties • Magnetism • Glowing • Fluorescence • Reactivity

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