Rocks

&
Minerals
Learning Outcomes
• Identify the physical properties of minerals
• Identify the chemical properties of
minerals.
• Identify some minerals and their uses.
• Appreciate the importance of conserving
minerals can identify and describe the
different properties of rocks.
Mineral
s
Minerals
◦naturally occurring, inorganic
elements or compounds with
specific physical and chemical
properties.
 Mineral
Properties
 Physical
Properties of
Minerals
Physical Properties of Minerals

◦- can be used to easily

identify a mineral.
Color
◦Least useful property in identifying
minerals.
◦Color - usually the property used to
identify minerals easily. It is the result of
the way minerals absorb light .
All of these are varieties of quartz!
Streak
◦ The color of a minerals powder.
◦ “streak test”
◦ is the color of the mineral in powder form.
◦ For opaque minerals, if you rub the sample
across a streak plate, it will leave a colored
powder. This streak is distinctive for minerals and
is used to identify minerals.
Luster
◦How the minerals surface reflects light.
◦refers to the reaction of a mineral to light. It
◦determines how brilliant or dull the mineral is.
Hardness
◦ The ability of a mineral to resist
being scratched.
◦ “Scratch test”
Moh’s Hardness Scale
Fracture/ Cleavage
Fracture Cleavage
◦ Mineral ◦The tendency of a
breaks Mineral to break evenly
unevenly or along its weakest plane.
irregularly
Crystal Form
◦ Some minerals tend to form crystals
that aid in the identification of the
mineral.
Transparency
◦indicates the extent of
light that can pass through
the mineral.
Magnetism
indicates the ability of a
mineral to attract or repel
other minerals.
Tenacity
◦ level of resistance or reaction of
minerals to stress such as crushing,
bending, breaking, or tearing.
Odor
◦a distinct smell of a mineral that is
usually released from a chemical
reaction when subjected to water,
heat, air or friction.
Specific
Gravity
◦ - is a measure of the density of a mineral. Determines how
heavy the mineral is by its weight to water.
◦ The ratio of the density of the mineral to the density of water
(1 g/cm3)
◦ If a mineral has a specific gravity of 5 that means it is 5 times
as dense as water.
 ◦ Minerals are the
ingredients of rocks.
Or

◦ Rocks are made up

of minerals.
◦1. Diamonds are said to be girl’s best friend due to its role as a
gemstone, price and being rare but aside from those characteristics,
it tops a certain scale that determines its ability to scratch another
materials or minerals.
◦Which of the following describes this property?
◦a. Crystal Formation
◦b. Hardness
◦c. Luster
◦d. Specific gravity
◦2. Talc is the softest mineral. What is the
scale used in identifying the hardness of
◦minerals?
◦a. Mineral’s Scale
◦b. Mercalli’s Scale
◦c. Mohs Scale
◦d. Richter’ s Scale
◦3. ______________ is a measure of the density of a
mineral. It determines how heavy the mineral is by
its weight to water. Which of the following
describes this property?
◦a. Crystal Formation
◦b. Hardness
◦c. Luster
◦d. Specific gravity
◦4. It refers to the level of resistance or reaction of
minerals to stress such as crushing, bending, breaking, or
tearing. Which of the following describes this property?
◦a. Crystal Formation
◦b. Hardness
◦c. Luster
◦d. Tenacity
◦5. It indicates the ability of a mineral to attract or
repel other minerals.
◦Which of the following describes this property?
◦a. Crystal Formation
◦b. Magnetism
◦c. Luster
◦d. Tenacity
 Chemical
Properties of
Minerals
Chemical Properties of
Minerals
◦Another way of identifying and
classifying minerals is according to their
chemical composition. This classification
was first used in 1848 by James Dwight
Dana (1813-1895).
Silicate Class
◦ largest and most abundant group
containing Si and O with some Al, Mg, Fe,
and Ca. (Ex. feldspar, quartz, pyroxene,
mica, garnet. olivine and amphibole
 Uses of Silicates
◦Glass manufacturing: Glass is made from silicate. This is one of the
major and most productive uses of silicate.
◦Silicates in ceramics: Silicates are used to make ceramics. Ceramics
made of silicate have thermal characteristics. Therefore, they are a major
advantage in the engineering and technology industries. In one such
example, the spacecraft uses ceramic silicate tiles as a barrier from
intense atmospheric temperatures. Silicates also benefit borehole walls
when drilling to prevent the walls from cracking.
◦Microchips: Microchips are a form of silicon cut into small proportions
that have controlled printed orders through photographic processes.
Silicates have unique properties, for example, producing thermal
insulation, conducting electricity, providing a high-frequency vibration,
and being able to conduct electricity.
Carbonate class
◦mostly found deposited in
marine environments.
◦There are approximately 80 known carbonate minerals,
but most of them are rare. The commonest
varieties, calcite, dolomite, and aragonite, are
prominent constituents of certain rocks: calcite is the
principal mineral of limestones and marbles; dolomite
occurs as a replacement for calcite in limestones, and
when this is extensive the rock is termed dolomite; and
aragonite occurs in some recent sediments and in the
shells of organisms that have calcareous skeletons.
◦Other relatively common carbonate minerals serve as
metal ores: siderite, for iron; rhodochrosite, for
manganese; strontianite, for strontium; smithsonite, for
zinc; witherite, for barium; and cerussite, for lead.
Sulphate Class
◦forms in areas with high evaporation
rates and where salty waters slowly
evaporate. (Ex. anhydrite, celestine,
barite, gypsum)
◦ Sulphate Uses
◦ Sulphates are easily available in nature and also easily synthesized in industries. Therefore,
this chemical compound has applications in a wide variety of products. Some of the sulfate
uses are listed below.

• Magnesium sulfate is used in therapeutic baths.

• Sulphate minerals are used in the making of metal salts.
• Copper sulfate is the most common algaecide.
• They are used in detergents, emulsifiers, and foaming agents.
• Gypsum is a natural form of hydrated calcium sulfate used in the making of plasters.
• Sulphate compounds are also found in cosmetic products such as toothpaste, body sprays,
lotions, make-up, soaps, shampoos, etc.
• They are used in construction.
• They are powerful surfactants and are found in most products that are used to remove
grease from heavy machinery.
• Copper sulfate is used in the electricity domain and barium sulfate is used in water
treatment.
• Sulfites are added to cleaning products to make them more effective cleaners.
Halide class
◦contains natural salts includes fluorite,
halite, sylvite and sal ammoniac
components. Usually form in lakes, and
sal ammoniac components.
◦Uses of Halides
• Halides are used in the solder paste. Halogens
are incorporated into organohalides compounds
in synthetic organic chemistry.
• It is widely used in metal halide lamps that are
high-intensity discharge lamps. They are used as
a supplement to provide sunlight in a rainy
climate or a greenhouse.
• Silver halides are used in the papers and
phosphoric films.
Oxide class
◦is a diverse class. In science, these minerals are
important as they carry histories of changes in Earth's
magnetic field. They are formed as precipitates close
to Earth's surface or as oxidation products of minerals
during the process of weathering.
◦The term "oxide class" typically refers to compounds that contain oxygen
combined with another element, forming an oxide. Oxides have a wide
range of uses across various industries and applications due to their
diverse properties. Here are some common uses of oxide classes:
[Link] oxides: Metal oxides such as iron oxide (rust), aluminum oxide,
titanium oxide, and zinc oxide have various applications:
1. Iron oxide is used as a pigment in paints and coatings.
2. Aluminum oxide is used as an abrasive in sandpaper and as a filler in ceramics.
3. Titanium oxide is used as a pigment in paints, plastics, and cosmetics.
4. Zinc oxide is used in sunscreens, ointments, and pigments.
[Link] oxide: Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, is one of the most
abundant compounds on Earth and is used in:
1. Manufacturing glass for windows, bottles, and optical fibers.
2. Production of ceramics, including porcelain.
3. As a filler in rubber and plastics.
3. Carbon oxides: Carbon oxides, primarily carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon
dioxide (CO2), have several uses:
1. Carbon monoxide is used in the production of various chemicals, including methanol and
acetic acid.
2. Carbon dioxide is used in the food and beverage industry for carbonation and as a refrigerant
4. Nitrogen oxides: Nitrogen oxides (NOx), including nitric oxide (NO) and
nitrogen dioxide (NO2), have industrial uses:
1. They are involved in the production of nitric acid, which is used in the manufacturing of
fertilizers, explosives, and nylon.
2. Nitrogen dioxide is used in rocket engines and in the production of semiconductor materials.
6. Cerium oxide: Cerium oxide finds applications in various industries:
1. It is used as a polishing agent for glass, mirrors, and precision optics.
2. Cerium oxide nanoparticles are utilized in catalysis, fuel cells, and as UV blockers in
sunscreens.
7. Rare earth oxides: Rare earth oxides, such as yttrium oxide and lanthanum
oxide, have specialized applications:
1. They are used in the production of phosphors for lighting and display technologies.
2. Rare earth oxides are also utilized in magnets, catalysts, and ceramics.
Sulphide class
◦has important metals such as
copper, lead and silver which are
considered economically
significant.
◦Sulfide compounds, which contain sulfur combined with another element, also
have diverse applications across various industries. Here are some common
uses of sulfide compounds:
[Link] sulfides: Metal sulfides like iron sulfide (pyrite), lead sulfide (galena),
and copper sulfide (chalcopyrite) have several uses:
1. Iron sulfide is used in the production of sulfuric acid and as a semiconductor material.
2. Lead sulfide is used in infrared detectors and solar cells.
3. Copper sulfide is an important ore for copper extraction and is also used in semiconductor
manufacturing.
[Link] sulfide (H2S): While hydrogen sulfide is primarily known for its
toxicity and characteristic odor of rotten eggs, it has industrial applications:
1. It is used in the production of sulfur, sulfuric acid, and various sulfur-containing
compounds.
2. Hydrogen sulfide is also used in the petroleum industry for sulfur removal from crude oil
and natural gas.
[Link] sulfides: Organic sulfides, which contain a sulfur atom bonded to
carbon, are utilized in:
1. Organic synthesis as reagents and intermediates in chemical reactions.
2. Pharmaceuticals, where sulfide-containing compounds may have therapeutic effects.
4. Iron sulfide (FeS): Iron sulfide has specific uses:
[Link] is used as a pigment in some types of paints and inks.
[Link] sulfide nanoparticles are studied for potential applications in materials science and environmental
remediation.
6. Zinc sulfide (ZnS): Zinc sulfide is notable for its luminescent properties and finds
applications in:
[Link] for cathode ray tubes, fluorescent lights, and x-ray screens.
[Link] materials, including lenses and windows for infrared optics.
7. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2): This compound has unique lubricating properties and is
used:
[Link] a dry lubricant in high-temperature and high-pressure applications, such as aerospace and automotive
industries.
[Link] electronic devices and semiconductor manufacturing as a semiconductor material and a molecular sieve.
Phosphate class
◦contains minerals with phosphorus.
Considered as important biological
mineral found in teeth and bones in
many animals.
◦Phosphate compounds, which contain phosphorus combined with oxygen, have numerous applications
across various industries. Here are some common uses of phosphate compounds:
[Link]: Phosphate compounds are essential ingredients in fertilizers, providing plants with the
phosphorus they need for growth and development. Examples include:
1. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) are widely used as fertilizers in agriculture.
2. Triple superphosphate (TSP) is another important phosphate fertilizer.
[Link] and beverage industry: Phosphate compounds serve several purposes in the food and
beverage industry:
1. They are used as additives in food processing to improve texture, flavor, and moisture retention in meat, seafood, and
baked goods.
2. Phosphates are added to beverages as buffering agents and emulsifiers.
[Link] treatment: Phosphate compounds are utilized in water treatment processes:
1. They are added to water to inhibit the formation of scale deposits and prevent corrosion in pipes and equipment.
2. Phosphates also help to control algae growth in bodies of water and improve water quality.
4. Detergents: Phosphate compounds play a crucial role in laundry and
dishwasher detergents:
1. They act as water softeners, helping to remove mineral deposits and improve the
effectiveness of cleaning agents.
2. Phosphates also aid in the suspension of dirt and grease in water, facilitating their
removal during the washing process.
5. Industrial applications: Phosphate compounds have various industrial
uses:
1. They are used as flame retardants in plastics, textiles, and coatings to improve fire
resistance.
2. Phosphates are also employed in metal treatment processes, such as metal
finishing and electroplating.
6. Pharmaceuticals: Phosphate compounds are used in pharmaceutical
formulations:
1. They serve as buffering agents and excipients in the production of tablets, capsules,
and oral solutions.
Native element
class
◦contains metals and Intermettalic
elements, semimetals nonmetals or
natural alloys and constituents of a
few rare meteorites.
◦1. It is the largest and most
abundant group containing Si and
O with some Al, Mg, Fe, and Ca
◦a. Silicate Class
◦b. Native Elements
◦c. Phosphate Class
◦d. Sulphide Class
2. It contains metals and Intermettalic
elements, semimetals nonmetals or
natural alloys and constituents of a
few rare meteorites.
◦a. Silicate Class
◦b. Phosphate Class
◦c. Native Elements
◦d. Sulphide Class
◦3. It contains natural salts includes
fluorite, halite, sylvite and sal
ammoniac components. Usually form
in lakes, and sal ammoniac
components.
◦a. Silicate Class
◦b. Halide Class
◦c. Phosphate Class
◦d. Sulphide Class
◦4. It is mostly found deposited
in marine environments.
◦a. Silicate Class
◦b. Native Elements
◦c. Phosphate Class
◦d. Carbonate Class
◦5. It contains minerals with
phosphorus. Considered as important
biological mineral found in teeth and
bones in many animals.
◦a. Silicate Class
◦b. Native Elements
◦c. Phosphate Class
◦d. Sulphide Class
Guide Question:
◦What is the Importance of knowing the
different properties of minerals?
◦Why is it important to know the properties of
minerals?
Rocks
Introduction
◦What is it? Rocks and minerals help scientists decipher
things about past periods on our Earth and other planets.
The rock cycle helps us understand what conditions
helped formed those rocks, which can tell us a lot about
the history of a region.
Rocks
◦- are natural substances consisting of
aggregate minerals clumped together with
other materials through natural processes.
◦Rocks, like some materials, are products of
a natural cyclic process.
Properties of Rocks
◦1. Rocks exhibit different properties. As to color, rocks may be
dark, light, reddish, gray, brown, yellow o even black.
◦2. Rocks differ in texture: some are fine, others are rough.
◦3. Some are glossy in appearance and smooth to touch.
◦4. Most rocks are hard, others are brittle.
Classification of
Rocks
 Igneous rocks
◦1. Igneous rocks - derived from the Latin word ignis meaning “fire”
are crystallized from magma or molten or partially molten volcanic
materials that came from within Earth.
◦Magma rises from the asthenosphere or at the base of the crust
through volcanoes or any cracks and fissures on Earth's surface.
◦When it reaches the surface of Earth. The molten volcanic material is
called lava. (granite, rholite, diorite, andesite, basalt, gabbro)
Igneous:
- Form when liquid rock cools and
solidifies
Intrusive Extrusive
◦Cools below the earths ◦Cools at the Earths surface
(quickly!)
surface (slowly!)

◦Lava
◦Magma
◦“Volcanic”
◦“Plutonic”
Importance of Igneous
Rocks
◦Contains Fossils That Are Evidences Of Geologic Past
◦Coal, Petroleum And Natural Gas Are Major Energy
Source
◦Iron , Aluminum And Manganese Are Used In The
Construction Industry.
Sedimentary rocks
◦Sedimentary rocks - from the root word sediments which
means “remaining particles” are rocks that have formed
from the deposition of different materials on Earth's
surface.
◦They come from preexisting rocks or pieces of dead
organisms that have been “lithified” or cemented by
natural processes. (limestone, conglomerate, haite, calcite,
sandstone, gypsum)
2 Major Groups of Sedimentary
Rocks
◦Clastic - form from the accumulation and lithification of
sediments derived from the breakdown of pre-existing rocks. They
are further classified according to dominant grain size.

◦Non-clastic - derived from sediments that precipitated

from concentrated solutions (e.g. seawater) or from the
accumulation of biologic or organic material (e.g. shells, plant
material). They are further classified on the basis of chemical
composition.
Metamorphic rocks
◦3. Metamorphic rocks - meta means “change”” and
morph means “form” are rocks derived from igneous or
sedimentary rocks that were exposed to high pressure,
high temperature or a combination of both, deep below
the surface of Earth.
◦Because of this exposure, some of the minerals in these
rocks undergo chemical and physical changes.
Metamorphic
◦ Rocks that are changed due to extreme heat and/or
pressure.
◦ They recrystallize

Metamorphic rocks become…

1. Harder
2. More dense
3. Banded or foliated
4. Distorted
The Rock
Cycle
Guide Question:
◦What is the Importance of knowing the
different types of rock?
◦Why is it important to know the process of
rock cycle?
◦What are rocks primarily
made of?
a. Sand and water
b. Aggregate minerals and
other materials
c. Fossils and soil
d. Lava and magma
◦Which type of rock forms
when liquid rock cools and
solidifies?
a. Sedimentary
b. Igneous
c. Metamorphic
d. Fossilized
◦What process causes
metamorphic rocks to form?
a. Lithification of sediments
b. Cooling of magma
c. Exposure to high pressure and
temperature
d. Accumulation of organic material
◦Why is understanding the rock
cycle important?
a. To classify living organisms
b. To understand Earth’s history and
conditions
c. To identify fossils
d. To calculate magma
temperatures
◦What is the main process
involved in forming sedimentary
rocks?
a. Cooling and solidification of
magma
b. High pressure and temperature
c. Deposition and lithification of
sediments
d. Melting and recrystallization