How do scientists classify minerals?
1 Answer
Feb 21, 2016
Into the Dana classification system that consists of about 9 families of minerals that have similar composition and structure.
Explanation:
Native elements: such as metals, semi-metals and non metals (1)
Sulphides and Sulphosalts: Sulphur and metals ores (2 - 3)
Oxides and Hydroxides: Metal and Oxygen ie: corundum (4 - 8)
Halides: Metal and Halogen elements: ie: flourite (9 - 12)
Carbonates, Nitrates and Borates: Carbon and oxygen group (13 - 27)
Sulphates, Chromates and Molybates: Sulphur and oxygen group (28 - 36)
Phosphates, Arsenates and Vandates: metal and phosphates (37 - 49)
Organic: minerals formed from living organisims: ie amber and pearls (50)
Silicates: Silicon and Oxygen group almost a third of all minerals (51 - 78)
