What are the main characteristics of the major mineral groups?
1 Answer
Jul 29, 2016
There are 7 major mineral groups: Silicates, Oxides, Sulfates, Sulfides, Carbonates, Native Elements, and Halides.
Explanation:
Silicates
- Contain Silicon and Oxygen
- Largest Group of Minerals
- Construction component is Tetrahedron
Oxides
- Made up of Oxygen and one of more materials
- Contain greatest variation of physical properties
Sulfates
- Contain Sulfur, Oxygen, other elements
- Transparent to Translucent
- Soft
- Heavy
- Lightly colored
Sulfides
- Contain sulfur and a metal
- Arsenic, Antimony, Selenium, Tellurium can substitute for Sulfur
Carbonates
- Contain carbonate, other elements
- Soft, brittle
Native Elements
- Form as individual elements
- Contain no other substances, 100% pure
Halides
- Contain chlorine, fluorine
- Used as building blocks
- Soft and fragile
- Soluble in water
