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    Mineralogy

    Mineralogy is the study of the chemistry crystal structure and physical properties of minerals. The study of the crystal structure leads to the processes of mineral origin and formation, the classification of minerals, the geographical location and there uses.

    Physical mineralogy studies the physical characteristics of minerals. These are used to identify the minerals. These characteristics are as follows: crystal structure, crystal habit, twinning, cleavage, luster, diaphaneity, color, streak, hardness and specific gravity. The chemical composition of the minerals will determine their physical characteristics.

    Optical mineralogy is the study of minerals that requires a source of light as a means to identify and classify minerals. Not all minerals will refract light. Light is refracted by passing through broken up planes in the minerals that polarize the light to travel at different velocities. The light can be refracted from different angles.

    Additionally, minerals have many practical applications which can benefit society. Minerals can be used in building materials, machinery and commodities. As well, minerals can be used for agricultural practices such as in fertilizers. 

     

     

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    BrainMass Categories within Mineralogy

    Rocks

    Solutions: 30

    A rock is a naturally occurring solid composed of one or more minerals.

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    Difference between Basaltic and Granitic/Pyroclastic Magma

    I need help with the following question and the chemical/mineralogical perspective, as well as its origins, and cooling history. Provide at least 300 words in the solution. What is the big difference between basaltic and granitic/pyroclastic magma?

    Layers of the Earth and Rocks and Minerals

    I need help with the following questions: 1. On the layers of the earth (crust, upper mantle, lower mantle, outer core, and inner core), complete a short summary or list that describes the basic attributes of the layers listed. 2. In terms of rocks and minerals (minerals drag-drop, density of minerals, igneous rocks and si

    Determining a Mineral: Example Problem

    Hello. Identify the mineral with metallic luster, yellowish color, hardness 6.5, with no cleavage, a greenish streak, and cubic crystal form. What is the mineral with metallic luster, gray color, cubic cleavage and crystal form, H 2.5?

    Identifying physical properties of minerals

    List the physical properties of minerals that you can use to identify a mineral sample using household items AND describe in detail how you would identify a rock-forming mineral using a reference sheet and items you would find around the house.