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What are called minerals?
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement. This may seem a bit of a mouthful, but if you break it down it becomes simpler. Minerals are naturally occurring. They are not made by humans. Minerals are inorganic.
Different Types of Minerals
- Minerals are classified based on their crystal form and chemistry. Minerals are divided into two types namely metallic and non-metallic.
- More than 4,000 naturally occurring minerals-inorganic solids that have a characteristic chemical composition and specific crystal structure-have been found on Earth.
- The five most common mineral groups in rock are the silicates, carbonates, sulfates, halides, and oxides. There are about 4000 known minerals in the Earth's crust, and about 92 % of them are silicates.
- The most abundant silicate is called plagioclase.
Identification based on the various physical properties of minerals are as follows
- Form
- Colour
- Streak
- Luster
- Fracture
- Cleavage
- Hardness
- Specific Gravity (Density)
- Degree of Transparency
- Special Properties