-Nearly 4000 minerals have been named, and 30 to 50 new ones are identified each year.
-The discoverer is allowed to choose a name for the new mineral.
-Minerals are placed into categories in much the same way as plants and animals are classified.
-Mineral species are usually assigned to a new mineral class based on their anions, or anion complexes.
-Important mineral classes: Silicates, carbonates, halides, and sulfates.
-Minerals within each class tend to have similar internal structures and hence, similar properties.
-Minerals are further divided into groups based on their similarities in atomic structures or compositions.
-Some common mineral groups include the feldspars, pyroxenes, amphiboles, micas and olivine.
Notes pages 87-95
-Nearly 4000 minerals have been named, and 30 to 50 new ones are identified each year.
-The discoverer is allowed to choose a name for the new mineral.
-Minerals are placed into categories in much the same way as plants and animals are classified.
-Mineral species are usually assigned to a new mineral class based on their anions, or anion complexes.
-Important mineral classes: Silicates, carbonates, halides, and sulfates.
-Minerals within each class tend to have similar internal structures and hence, similar properties.
-Minerals are further divided into groups based on their similarities in atomic structures or compositions.
-Some common mineral groups include the feldspars, pyroxenes, amphiboles, micas and olivine.