Question

Classify the minerals available in the earth's crust.

Answer 1

Minerals are classified by key chemical constituents; the two dominant systems are the Dana classification and the Strunz classification. Silicon and oxygen constitute approximately 75% of the Earth's crust, which translates directly into the predominance of silicate minerals. The silicate minerals compose over 90% of the Earth's crust.[5] The silicate class of minerals is subdivided into six subclasses by the degree of polymerization in the chemical structure. All silicate minerals have a base unit of a [SiO4]4− silica tetrahedron—that is, a silicon cation coordinated by four oxygen anions, which gives the shape of a tetrahedron. These tetrahedra can be polymerized to give the subclasses: orthosilicates (no polymerization, thus single tetrahedra), disilicates (two tetrahedra bonded together), cyclosilicates (rings of tetrahedra), inosilicates (chains of tetrahedra), phyllosilicates (sheets of tetrahedra), and tectosilicates (three-dimensional network of tetrahedra). Other important mineral groups include the native elements, sulfides, oxides, halides, carbonates, sulfates, and phosphates

Answer 2

Minerals available in the Earth's crust:

• A mineral is a naturally arising organic or inorganic substance, having an arranged atomic structure and a certain chemical composition and physical characteristics.

• A mineral is comprised of two or more elements. But, occasionally single element minerals resembling sulphur, copper, silver, gold, graphite, etc. are also bring into being.

• The rudimentary source of all minerals is the hot magma in the center of the earth.

• The minerals which comprise metals are called as metallic minerals (eg: Haematite) and the metallic minerals which are beneficially mined are called as the ores.

• The crust of the earth is made up of more than 2000 minerals, but out of these, only six are the most rich and contribute the maximum.

• These six most rich minerals are feldspar, quartz, pyroxenes, amphiboles, mica and olivine.

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