Chemical Properties of Minerals

EDITED by: Mr. Francis Angeles

Chemical properties of minerals
show the presence and
arrangement of atoms in
minerals. Using their chemical
properties, minerals are
identified by how they react to
certain substances.
 SILICATE CLASS
- largest group of
minerals
- contains silicon and
oxygen, with some
aluminum,
magnesium, iron and
calcium
USES
 CARBONATE CLASS
- deposited in marine
environments
- shells of dead planktons
- places with high
evaporation rates
- in karsts and caves
- in stalactites and
stalagmites
USES
Carbon Paper
Glass and Ceramics
Rayon
Livestock mineral supplement
Soap and detergents
Soda ash
 Sulfate Class
- where salty waters
slowly evaporate
- places with high
evaporation rates
- water-sediments
 Barite
Gypsum
Celestite
USES
Plaster
Algaecide
Mineral supplement
Epsom salt
Surfactant
Lead-acid battery
 Halide Class
- contains natural salts
- In lakes, ponds, and
other landlocked seas
Halite Flourite
USES
metal-halide lamps
steel and aluminum
fertilizer
rock salt
 OXIDE Class
- most important class to human
civilization
- carry histories of changes in
Earths magnetic field
- precipitates close to Earths
surface
- oxidation products during
weathering
- accessory minerals in igneous
rocks
Hermatite Corundum
USES
inorganic sunscreen
flame retardant
coloring agent
Alkali batteries
 SULFIDE Class
- contains most of
the economically
significant minerals
to man
- includes copper,
lead, and zinc
Acanthite Chalcocite
USES
photocells (CdS)
Fungicide
infrared sensors (PbS)
photoluminescent
strips in emergency
lights (ZnS)
 Phosphate Class
- important
biological minerals
- found in bones and
teeth of animals
(Phosphorous)
Turquoise Wavellite Apatite
USES
phosphate
fertilizers
health nutrients
phosphate salts
 ELEMENT Class
- contains pure native elements
- usually metals
pure form
Gold Copper
USES
jewelries, coins
wires
cosmetics
pipes, guns, fish
sinkers, alloy