Claire Chadwick; Lauren Maurizio; Robin Humphreys; and Vijay Vulava
Introduction to Minerals
According to the International Mineralogical Association, “a mineral is an element or chemical compound that is normally crystalline and that has been formed as a result of geological processes.” This is an overarching technical definition of a mineral and has many underlying attributes embedded within that definition. For example, since all geological processes are natural, a mineral has to occur naturally.
- Watch this quick video that describes the basic properties of minerals and how these properties are used to identify minerals.
Exercise 1 – Introduction to Minerals
Consult the book chapter at Minerals – An Introduction to Geology (opengeology.org) to help answer the following questions:
- List the five minimum attributes that define a mineral.
- What is the relationship between a rock and a mineral?
- Define the Hardness of a mineral.
- Define the Streak of a mineral.
- Define the Crystal Habit of a mineral.
- Define the Breakage of a mineral.
- Define the Luster of a mineral.
