Super Simple Mineral Projects: Science Activities for Future Mineralogists
WHAT IS A MINERAL A mineral is a natural nonliving solid Minerals are made of one or more elements There are several thousand different minerals Minerals have a crystal structure Each mineral has its own properties such as hardness and color These properties help scientists identify minerals They also affect how minerals are used in industries Minerals are all around Salt is a mineral So is the fluorite in your toothpaste QUARTZ 4
SLATE Some minerals such as diamond and gold are valuable People mine for them Rocks are made of minerals Some rocks have one mineral Other rocks have many minerals CLEAVED FLUORITE 5
TYPES OF MINERALS While there are thousands of minerals most are rare But some minerals are commonly found and used in manufacturing and other industries QUARTZ Quartz is one of the most common minerals in Earth’s crust The clear crystals are often used in jewelry Quartz is also used to make glass paint and electronics 6
CALCITE Calcite is the main mineral in limestone Natural chalk is also made of calcite Calcite is often used in construction materials such as cement 7 HALITE Halite is the mineral name for salt Halite forms when seawater evaporates Halite is used to add flavor to food melt ice and create certain chemicals
