Minerals

Minerals

System of Minerals (An Outline)

Modern classification of minerals is based on crystallochemical principles which takes into account the more substantial features of mineral species, viz their chemical composition and crystalline structure. In accordance with this classification minerals may be represented by the following classes:

1. Native elements: Beside native metals, semimetals and nonmetals this class tentatively inludes the rare nitrides, carbides, phosphides, silicides. 2. Sulphides and their analogues, e.g. arsenides, antimonides, bismuthides, tellurides and selenides.
3. Halides. This class comprises not only chlorides, fluorides, bromides and iodides, but also oxy- and hydrohalides. 4. Oxides and hydroxides.
5. Silicates, alumosilicates and their alalogues represented by borosilicates, titanosilicates, zirconium silicates, and beryllium silicates. 6. Borates.
7. Carbonates. 8. Nitrates.
9. Phosphates and their analogues, e.g. arsenates and vanadates. 10. Sulphates and their analogues, e.g. tellurates and selenates.
11. Molybdates and tungstates.

 

The first concept of minerals were found in ancient times. Having emerged with the advent of man, these concepts have had a long history and formed the basis of mineralogy - the scientific study of minerals.

Pictures of some of the beautiful minerals are shown here:

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