GL 107 Earth Systems Science

K. Hannula

Discussion questions for 9/5/07

1.  What factors control the structure and chemical composition of a mineral?

The structure of a mineral is controlled, in part, by the conditions (especially temperature and pressure) at which the mineral formed.

The composition of a mineral is controlled by the chemical elements available where the mineral formed.

2.  What are the two most common chemical elements in the earth's crust?

Si (silicon) and O (oxygen).

3.  What mineral group does each of the following common rock-forming minerals belong to? (Look at Fig. 1.12 and Table 1.3 in particular.)

• Quartz - silicates

• Biotite mica - silicates

• Orthoclase feldspar - silicates

• Calcite - carbonates

• Gypsum - sulfates

• Halite - halides

• Pyrite - sulfides

• Galena - sulfides

• Magnetite - oxides

• Graphite - native elements