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The mineral “halite” has a chemical composition of NaCl. That means it contains equal numbers of sodium and chloride atoms. In this case they are electrically charged atoms, known as ions. Those ions are arranged in a cubic pattern that repeats in all directions. The small sodium ions are positioned between the larger chloride ions.

Most of the things that we use in our daily life are either made from minerals or produced using mineral products. Antacid tablets are made from calcite, table salt is crushed halite, several minerals are used to make a wood pencil, and dozens of minerals from many different countries are used to make a cell…

Mineral Crystals: The beautiful purple crystals in the photo above are examples of amethyst, a purple color variety of quartz. These amethyst crystals grew in a cavity below the earth and because they grew in an open space they were able to form into six-sided prisms with pointed terminations. The prismatic habit is characteristic of amethyst. Image copyright iStockphoto /…

The primary characteristics of a mineral that determine its physical properties are its composition and the strength of the bonds in its ordered internal structure. Here are some examples: Galena, a lead sulfide, has a much higher specific gravity than bauxite, an aluminum hydroxide. This difference is because of their composition. Lead is much heavier than…

There are approximately 4000 different minerals, and each of those minerals has a unique set of physical properties. These include: color, streak, hardness, luster, diaphaneity, specific gravity, cleavage, fracture, magnetism, solubility, and many more. These physical properties are useful for identifying minerals. However, they are much more important in determining the potential industrial uses of the mineral. Let’s…

The construction industry is the largest consumer of mineral commodities. Crushed stone is used for foundations, road base, concrete, and drainage. Sand and gravel are used in concrete and foundations. Clays are used to make cement, bricks, and tile. Iron ore is used to make reinforcing rods, steel beams, nails, and wire. Gypsum is used to make drywall. Dimension…

An archaic use of the word “mineral” comes from the Linnaean taxonomy in which all things can be assigned to the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms. Inconsistent Use of “Mineral” The word “mineral” is also used inconsistently. In mining, anything obtained from the ground and used by man is considered to be a “mineral commodity”…

The word “mineral” is used in many different ways. Here are some examples: Geologist’s Definition A formal definition of a mineral, as used by geologists would be: A naturally occurring inorganic solid that has a definite chemical composition, and an ordered internal structure. Geologists are able to identify minerals because they have characteristic physical properties.…

Ordered internal structure means that the atoms in a mineral are arranged in a systematic and repeating pattern. The structure of the mineral halite is shown in the illustration on this page. Halite is composed of an equal ratio of sodium and chlorine atoms arranged in a cubic pattern.

Definite chemical composition means that all occurrences of that mineral have a chemical composition that varies within a specific limited range. For example: the mineral halite (known as “rock salt” when it is mined) has a chemical composition of NaCl. It is made up of an equal number of atoms of sodium and chlorine.