RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

College of Engineering and Architecture

Civil Engineering Department

INTRODUCTION

“MINERALOGY”

Group No. 4

Name Actual Written Grooming

Reporting Report

Borlagdan, Aldrin Ian C.

Buiza, Denny Bryan M.
Diagan, Oliver P.
Parcasio, Micharl Vincent C.
Pineda, Carvin C.

Time/Day: 3:00-5:00 pm/ Monday

Section: CEIT-02-301A
Submitted to: Asst. Prof. Zorahayda Villanueva Concepcion
Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................
3.0 CHAPTER 3 ..........................................................................................................................
3.0.1 What is Mineralogy? ........................................................................................
3.0.2 What are Minerals? .........................................................................................
3.1 Elementary knowledge on symmetry elements of crystallographic system ....................
3.2 Characteristics of minerals ..................................................................................................
3.2.1 Two main types of mine rals.............................................................................
3.2.2 Physical Properties of minerals.......................................................................
3.2.3 Chemical Properties of minerals.....................................................................
3.3 Study the rock forming mine rals: .......................................................................................
3.3.1 Quartz................................................................................................................
3.3.2 Feldspar .............................................................................................................
3.3.3 Augite.................................................................................................................
3.3.4 Hornblende .......................................................................................................
3.3.5 Biotite.................................................................................................................
3.3.6 Muscovite ..........................................................................................................
3.3.7 Calcite ................................................................................................................
3.3.8 Garnet................................................................................................................
3.4 Properties, Process of formation of minerals ..................................................................
3.4.1 Main prope rties of minerals ............................................................................
3.4.2 Three ways mine rals are formed ....................................................................
3.5 Importance of mineralogy and minerals .........................................................................
3.5.1 Three main functions of minerals ...................................................................
3.5.2 Why do we used to study mineralogy? ...........................................................
3.5.3 Importance of minerals....................................................................................
CHAPTER 3

POWERPOINT PRESENTATION SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the discussion, the students should be able to:
1. Define Mineralogy and Minerals
2. Explain the elementary knowledge on symmetry elements of crystallographic system
3. Discuss the characteristics of minerals
4. Explain the different rock forming minerals such as Quartz family, Feldspar family,
Augite family, hornblende, Biotite.
5. Discuss chemical properties and process of formation of minerals
6. Discuss the Importance of Mineralogy and Minerals

Mineralogy
Mineralogy is a scientific discipline that is concerned with all aspects of minerals, including their
physical properties, chemical composition, internal crystal structure, and occurrence and
distribution in nature and their origins in terms of the physicochemical conditions of formation.

Minerals
Minerals are an important part of our everyday life and make up most of the earth. They are
defined as naturally occurring substances that have a crystalline structure.
3.1 Elementary knowledge on symmetry elements of crystallographic systems

Crystallography
Crystallography is a branch of science that studies the organization and bonding of atoms in
crystalline solids, as well as the geometric structure of crystal lattices. It is also the experimenta l
study of how atoms are arranged in solids. The word "crysta llography" derives from the Greek
words crystallon “cold drop / frozen drop”, and grapho “to write.”

Crystal
A crystal is any solid material in which the component atoms are arranged in a definite pattern and
whose surface regularity reflects its internal symmetry. Crystals are made of minerals, and rocks
are also made from minerals or sediments, but they are different. All crystals are minerals, but not
all minerals are crystals

.
Unit Cell
The smallest portion of a crystal component is defined as a unit cell. A collection of atoms, ions,
or molecules that are organized in a pure manner to form the crystal. The unit cells are organized
in three-dimensional space, describing the bulk organization of the crystal's atoms.

Symmetry
Symmetry is a fundamental property of crystalline solids atom arrangements that is used in
crystallography. It is used to describe crystals, identify recurrent components in molecules, and
to simplify practically all computations and data collecting. The majority of symmetry types in
crystallography can be explained in terms of an apparent movement of the object, such as a
rotation or translation.
Symmetry Elements

● Plane of Symmetry
When an imaginary plane is passed through a crystal such that the portion of the crystal
on one side of the plane is a reflection, or mirror image, of the portion on the other side of
the plane, the plane is a plane of symmetry (often called a mirror plane).

● Center of Symmetry
If an imaginary straight line can be drawn through a crystal from any point on its surface,
so that the point of entrance and exit are the same, the crystal has a center of symmetry.
● Axis of Symmetry
A crystal has an axis of symmetry when an imaginary line can be passed through it and
the crystal can be rotated 360° around the line to occupy the same space two, three, four,
or six times.
○ Diad axis
○ Triad axis
○ Tetrad axis
○ Hexad axis
Crystal System
A Crystal System is one of the many different types of crystals, space groups, and lattices. In
crystallography, the lattice system and the crystal system are related with a little difference.

● Cubic System
The isometric or cubic system is the first and most basic crystal system. It has three axes
that are all the same length. The three axes in the isometric system all intersect at 90º to
each other. Because of the equality of the axes, minerals in the cubic system are singly
refractive or isotropic.

● Tetragonal System
It consists of three axes. The primary axis might be either short or long. The two axes are
in the same plane and have the same length. Tetragonal crystal structures include double
and eight-sided pyramids, four-sided prisms, trapezohedrons, and pyrite.
● Hexagonal System
It is made up of four axes. The three axes a1, a2, and a3 are all contained inside a single
plane (called the basal plane) and are all at 120°. They make a sixty-degree angle with
each other. At right angles, the fourth axis intersects the other axes. Double Pyramids,
Double-Sided Pyramids, and Four-Sided Pyramids are crystal forms of hexagonal
systems. Beryl, Cancrinite, Apatite, Sugilite, and other minerals are examples.

 Orthorhombic System
It has three axes that are at right angles to each other. There are various lengths. The
orthorhombic system contains a variety of crystal structures based on its Rhombic
structure, including pyramids, double pyramids, rhombic pyramids, and pinacoids.
Topaz, Tanzanite, Iolite, Zoisite, Danburite, and other orthorhombic crystals are frequent.
● Monoclinic System
It has three axes, two of which are at right angles to each other and one of which is
inclined. The lengths of the three axes vary. The monoclinic system contains basal
pinacoid and prisms with inclined end faces based on their inner structure. Diopside,
Petalite, Kunzite, Gypsum, Hiddenite, Howlite, Vivianite, and other minerals are
examples.

● Triclinic System
It has the most asymmetrical crystal structure. All three axes are inclined towards each
other and are of the same length. Based on the three inclined angles the various forms of
crystals are in the paired faces. Some standard Triclinic Systems include Labradorite,
Amazonite, Kyanite, Rhodonite, Aventurine Feldspar, and Turquoise.
3.2 Characteristics of Mineral

3.2.1 Two Main Types of Minerals

- Minerals are classified based on their crystal form and chemistry. Minerals are divided into two
types namely metallic and non-metallic.

Metallic Minerals
- Metallic minerals exhibit luster in their
appearance and consist of metals in their
chemical composition. These minerals serve
as a potential source of metal and can be
extracted through mining. Examples of
metallic minerals are Galena, Malachite and
Hematite.

Metallic minerals are divided into ferrous and non-ferrous metallic minerals.

Ferrous Metallic Minerals

Metallic minerals that contain iron.

Non-Ferrous Metallic Minerals

Metallic minerals that do not contain iron.

Non-Metallic Minerals
Non-metallic minerals are minerals which either show a
non-metallic luster or shine in their appearance.
Extractable metals are not present in their chemica l
composition. Limestone and mica are examples of non-
metallic minerals.
3.2.2 Physical Properties of Mineral

Physical properties are any features that you can use your 5
senses (see, hear, feel, taste, or smell) to aid in identifying an unknown
mineral.

Mineral physical properties are generally organized in a

mineral key and the proper use of this key will allow us to name the
unknown mineral sample.

Major Physical Properties of Minerals

Luster
Luster is the way that a mineral reflects light.
● Metallic Luster - Metallic luster refers to minerals that are opaque, translucent, and have
the appearance of polished metal. Different pyrites, which are used to produce coins, gold
nuggets, and copper, are common examples.

Non-Metallic Luster - non-metallic applied to the luster of a mineral which reflects light from its
surface but does not shine like a metal. 'Non-metallic' may be further qualified as 'glassy' or
'vitreous', 'silky', 'waxy’, ‘dull or earthy’, ‘pearl’, and ‘adamantine’
Streak
A mineral’s streak is the color of its powder when the mineral is rubbed on a square of porcelain
called a streak plate. The color of the streak can help to identify the unknown mineral.

Hardness
The hardness of a mineral is determined by scratching the mineral with a material of known
hardness. The materials that Geologist’s use to test mineral hardness are a set of minerals of known
hardness called the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Cleavage and Fracture

Cleavage
Cleavage is the property of a mineral that
allows it to break smoothly along specific
internal planes (called cleavage planes) when
the mineral is struck sharply with a hammer.

Fracture
Fracture is the property of a mineral breaking
in a more or less random pattern with no smooth
planar surfaces.

Crystal Form
Crystal form refers to the geometric shape of mineral crystals. Crystal form is caused by the
symmetrical, three-dimensional arrangement of atoms inside the mineral. Not all minerals form
perfect visible crystal shapes. Some crystals are too small to see.

Types of mineral cleavage fragments and their proper names.

a. Cleavage in one direction (example: muscovite; basal cleavage)

b. Cleavage in two directions at right angles (example: feldspar; prismatic cleavage)

c. Cleavage in two directions not at right angles (example: hornblende; prismatic

cleavage)

d. Cleavage in three directions at right angles (example: galena; cubic cleavage)

e. Cleavage in three directions not at right angles (example: calcite; rhombic cleavage)

f. Cleavage in four directions (example: fluorite; octahedral cleavage)

Specific Gravity
The specific gravity (relative density) of a mineral is its weight compared to the weight of an
equal volume of water; thus, a mineral with a specific gravity of 4 is four times heavier than
water. Special instruments are needed to measure specific gravity.

Color
Color is generally considered a poor criterion for mineral
identification. Most minerals, when absolutely pure, are either clear
or white. But absolutely pure minerals are a rare find in nature.
Special Properties

There are numerous physical properties that are useful for recognizing either individual minerals
or small groups of minerals. These are known as “special properties” and a few are listed below:

● Magnetism - Because of their extremely high metal content (notably cobalt, iron or nickel)
a very few of the over 4000 known minerals can stick a magnet.
● Elasticity/Flexibility - Elasticity is the ability for a mineral to snap back like a rubber band.
● Striations - Small parallel lines on the surfaces of some crystals and on some cleavage
fragments as a result of the way the mineral formed.
● Opacity - Minerals that will let light travel through them and you can see an image through
them are known as transparent minerals. Those that will allow light to pass through, but
you cannot see an image through are called translucent minerals. Those that will not let
light pass through them are called opaque minerals.
● Smell - Minerals with a high sulfur content will give off the odor of rotten edges when
rubbed.
● Taste - A small group of minerals known as ‘salt’ have a salty taste (table salt is a minera l
‘salt’).
● Feel - Minerals with a Mohs hardness of 1 have either soapy or greasy feel when rubbed
because of their extreme softness.

3.2.3 Chemical Properties of Minerals

Ability to react to acid: Acid reaction, often known as effervescence, is a property used to
identify minerals. It occurs when a mineral reacts with acid. Based on their chemical reactivity
with acids, particularly diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl), this feature aids in the differentiation of
minerals.
Ability to burn: Unlike organic materials, such as wood or paper, which can burn, minerals are
often not thought of as combustible. Since most minerals are inorganic and lack the carbon-
hydrogen (C-H) bonds required for conventional combustion reactions, they cannot support
burning. Rather, interactions between minerals and other elements and compounds through
physical and chemical processes are what determines the chemical characteristics of minera ls.

Ability to rust: The propensity to rust is a trait of specific metals, especially iron and its alloys,
rather than a characteristic of minerals. When iron combines with oxygen and moisture in the
presence of an electrolyte. Rust, also known as iron oxide, is created. Reddish-brown iron oxide
compounds are created when iron rusts as a result of an oxidation reaction.

Ability to change color: Multiple substances, such as impurities, exposure to light, heat, or
chemical reactions, can cause minerals to change color.
3.3 Study of Rock-Forming Minerals

Exploring the world of geology, we venture into the fascinating realm of rock-forming
minerals. These foundational components of our planet's crust hold the key to understanding the
diverse landscapes and geological formations we encounter. These unassuming yet profoundly
influential components of the Earth's crust have played an enduring role in shaping our
landscapes and underpinning our understanding of geological processes. In this part, we'll delve
into the intriguing characteristics of eight essential rock-forming minerals: Quartz, Feldspar,
Augite, Hornblende, Biotite, Muscovite, Calcite, and Garnet. Each of these minerals contributes
uniquely to the composition, texture, and origin of rocks, painting a vivid picture of Earth's
geological history.

● Quartz - is a versatile and abundant mineral known for its diverse range of colors and
crystal structures, from the clear, glass-like variety to smoky and colorful gemstones like
amethyst and citrine. Composed mainly of silicon and oxygen, it's a fundamental
component of the Earth's crust and is found worldwide.

● Feldspar - a group of minerals encompassing species like orthoclase and plagioc lase
(Orthoclase and plagioclase are two distinct types of feldspar minerals that belong to
the same mineral family but have different chemical compositions and properties.)
forms an essential part of Earth's rock composition. These minerals are crucial in the
formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Feldspar is commonly found within granite,
pegmatites, and different sedimentary rocks.

● Augite - belonging to the pyroxene group of minerals, is characterized by its dark, black
or greenish appearance and prismatic crystal structure. Augite's composition includes
calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum. It can be found on volcanic rocks and basalt..

● Hornblende - is a mineral group encompassing a variety of amphibole minerals, often

appearing as dark green to black prismatic crystals. Comprising elements like calcium,
magnesium, iron, and aluminum, hornblende plays a key role in the formation of igneous
and metamorphic rocks. It can be found in various geological settings, including volcanic
and plutonic rocks.

● Biotite - a silicate mineral of the mica group, sometimes known as black mica. Pegmatites,
granites, and other intrusive igneous rocks, as well as regional and contact metamorphic
rocks, are rich in it.
 ● Muscovite - this abundant silicate mineral with potassium and aluminum content is also
known as common mica, potash mica, or isinglass. Muscovite is the most common member
of the mica family. Because of its immaculate cleavage, it may form thin, translucent sheets
that are robust.

● Calcite - is a common mineral that plays an important role in the development of rocks in
sedimentary environments. It is found in a variety of sedimentary rocks and is an essential
component of limestones. It can also be found in igneous, metamorphic, and hydrother ma l
rocks.

● Garnet - are minerals that can be found as single crystals, pebbles, or clusters of intergrown
crystals and range in color from opaque to transparent to translucent. Garnets are most
commonly seen in reddish colors, although they can also be orange, yellow, green, purple,
brown, blue, black, pink, and colorless. Blue garnets are quite rare.

3.4 Properties, process of formation of minerals

Main properties of minerals:

A Geologist can define and identify the type of mineral a specimen is by using these qualities:
● Crystallography: Specializes in the atomic and molecular structure of minerals, as well
as their geometric arrangement within crystals. Understanding mineral crystallography is
critical for mineral identification, classification, and interpretation of physical and
chemical properties.

● Electrical Conductivity: It's an important property in mineralogy as well as a variety of

scientific and industrial uses. Minerals' electrical conductivity is affected by a variety of
elements, including their chemical composition, crystal structure, temperature, and
contaminants.

● Radioactivity: Indicates that a mineral's structure contains naturally occurring radioactive

isotopes. During the processes of their decay, these radioactive isotopes release radiation,
such as alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays.
Process of formation of minerals
Mineral formation involves several geological processes that vary based on the type of minera l
and the specific geological circumstances. Here's an in-depth description of the steps involved in
mineral formation:

● Sublimation- Sublimation is the process by which a substance moves directly from a

solid to a gas state without first going through a liquid stage. While sublimation is less
prevalent in minerals than the more common solid-to-liquid-to-gas phase shifts, it can
occur in particular circumstances for specific minerals.
● Crystallization- Mineral crystallization is a geological and chemical process that causes
minerals to form solid, highly structured structures known as crystals. This process happens
naturally under a variety of settings and is responsible for the formation of a diverse
spectrum of minerals, many of which comprise the Earth's crust.

● Evaporation- Mineral evaporation is a natural process in which dissolved minera l

substances get concentrated and finally precipitate out of a solution as a result of the
solution's water evaporating. This mechanism is especially common in dry or semi-arid
environments with high evaporation and low precipitation.
3.5 Importance of Mineralogy and Minerals

3.5.1 Three main functions of minerals?

Resource Exploration: Mineralogists are frequently involved in the exploration and

identification of mineral resources such as ores and gemstones, which are necessary for a
variety of sectors such as mining, metallurgy, and jewelry.

Material Science: Minerals are also employed as raw materials in a variety of industr ia l
operations, including the production of electronics and sophisticated materials as well as
ceramics and building supplies. Optimizing the performance of materials requires a
thorough understanding of their properties.

Mineralogical Museums: Mineralogists collect and exhibit mineral collections at

museums, allowing people of all ages to learn about and enjoy the beauty and diversity of
minerals. Rare and valuable specimens are frequently included in these displays.

3.5.2 Why do we used to study mineralogy?

- Mineralogy is an important topic of study in the earth sciences because the structure,
chemistry, and physical properties of the constituent minerals are critical for the
appropriate characterization and usage of rocks and ores. We need minerals to make
tractors, houses, concrete roads, computers, appliances, jewelry, fertilizer, and electrical
transmission lines. Without mineral resources, industry would fail, and living conditions
would deteriorate.

3.5.3 Importance of Minerals

- Minerals found in the Earth's geological formations are one of our fundamental needs to
sustain our daily life. They have vast contributions to various sectors, including industry,
construction, agriculture, and energy production. These minerals are not only essentia l for
human civilization but also for the planet's geological processes, serving as a testament to
the intricate interplay between geology and our daily lives. In other words, minerals are
like Earth's hidden gems. We depend on them for things we use every day, from our homes
to our gadgets, and even the food we eat and the electricity that powers our lives. They're
not just important for us; they're also a big deal in how our planet works.