Module 2 Forum: Minerals and Rocks

1. How do clastic rocks differ from non-clastic rocks in terms of process of formation?

Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed from the buildup of clasts: small pieces of fragmented
rocks deposited as a result of mechanical weathering then lithified by compaction and
cementation. On the contrary, Non-Clastic sedimentary rocks are formed when the water
components evaporate, leaving dissolved minerals behind, and from the accumulation of any
animal or plant debris such as shells and bones. 

2. Explain how the physical features of sediments change during transport.

During the transportation process, grains may be reduced in size due to abrasion.  Random
abrasion results in the eventual rounding off of the sharp corners and edges of grains. For
instance, the mode of transport is by sliding down a slope, the deposits that result are generally
chaotic in nature, and show a wide variety of particle sizes depending on the energy of the
transporting medium. High energy currents can carry larger fragments, and as the energy
decreases, heavier particles are deposited and lighter fragments continue to be transported. As a
result, some sediments may become massive rocks, while others may become relatively small.

3. Differentiate between a foliated and non-foliated rock.

Foliated metamorphic rocks are formed within the Earth's interior under extremely high
pressures that are unequal, occurring when the pressure is greater in one direction than in the
others (directed pressure). On the other hand, Non-Foliated metamorphic rocks are formed
around igneous intrusions where the temperatures are high but the pressures are relatively low
and equal in all directions (confining pressure). 

4. Which among the following mineral groups, if any, contain silicon: halides, carbonates
or sulfides?

Among the mineral groups that are mentioned above, none of them contain silicon. As halides
contain halogen elements like chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine blended with steel
elements. On other hand, Carbonates, contain carbonate anion (CO3)2 blended with a metal
element and lastly, Sulfides contain sulfur anion (S2) blended with one or more ions.

5. Which is more abundant in the Earth’s crust: silicates or all the other mineral groups
combined?

According to research, Silicates are the largest and most important class of minerals which is
mainly composed of Oxygen (46.1%) and Silicon (28.2%) that make up approximately 75% of
Earth’s crust which makes them more abundant than all the other mineral groups combined.

Sources:
 https://geologyscience.com/category/rocks/sedimentary-rocks/non-clastic-sedimentary-
rock/
 https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-most-abundant-elements-in-the-earth-s-
crust.html
 https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Inorganic_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_an
d_Websites_(Inorganic_Chemistry)/
 https://sites.google.com/site/plazaearthscience/minerals-rocks-and-rock-cycle/
 https://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens1110/sedrx.htm