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Posted on October 24, 2007 by Jason Petrina | Posted under News and Society
Minerals: Stepping Stones to Rocks
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Estimates indicate that there are more than 4000 different kinds of minerals. Despite this surprising number, there are only actually about eight different kinds of common minerals. Quartz ranks as one of these most common types of minerals. It is found inigenous rocks such as granite or even diorite or andesite. Quartz is typically clear, however; samples have been found with a white or grey tint. Smokey quartz is dark in color. When quartz takes on other hues, it may result in the production of a gemstone, such as yellow citrine, amythest or pink rose quartz. Quartz usually takes on a hexagonal shape. There are two different types of feldspar. One of them, potassium feldspar, usually varies from a light cream color to a pink similar to salmon. Although other types of minerals can be similar in color to potassium feldspar, the latter usually does not contain striations; which are scratches that run parallel on the surface of a rock or mineral. Plagioclase feldspar, contains both calcium and sodium. The color of this mineral will commonly range from white or grey to iridescent purple. Unlike the other type of feldspar, plagioclase feldspar contains striations. Olivine may very well take its name from the color of most samples, a yellow green hue. It can frequently be found in samples of basalt, a type of rock that is found on the ocean floor. Pyroxene is also frequently found in basalt as well as gabbro; which forms from volcanic eruptions. Normally, pyroxene is dark in color or completely black. Horneblende is a very common type of mineral, similar to pyroxenes; however the color of horneblende can range from dark green to black. It also usually contains an almost splintery appearance. Mica can be found in both dark and light varieties, both of which are quite common in metamorphic rocks. Calcite makes up the last of the eight common types of minerals and is frequently transparent with a high glassy luster. While rock collecting is a hobby enjoyed by children and adults alike, mineral rock collecting can vary in its complexity depending upon the physical properties of the mineral specimen. Some minerals can be easily identified, however; more complex types of mineral require a process known as x-ray diffraction in order to formally identify. There are several factors that must be taken into consideration when attempting to identify a mineral sample. These factors include the structure of the crystal, hardness, luster, color, streak, cleavage, fracture and specific gravity. In some cases, other factors such as fluorescence, radioactivity, magnetism and tenacity must also be taken into consideration when attempting to identify a mineral rock. Once identified, mineral rocks may be classified in several different manners. One of the most common ways to identify a mineral rock is according to its chemical composition. Minerals serve several different purposes. Some minerals, referred to as dietary minerals, are necessary requirements of living organisms. A few of the minerals required for healthy living by humans include calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium and sodium as well as trace minerals such as copper, iodine and zinc. Minerals are also frequently used for industrial applications. Common industrial minerals include granite, asbestos, coal, marble and slate. About The Author: Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com |
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