The terms "minerals" and "rocks" are often found in popular science literature. People who do not have a specialized education do not share these concepts, perceiving these words almost as synonyms. This is categorically wrong. Let's see how minerals differ from rocks.
Minerals
In order to find out how a mineral differs from a rock, consider each natural formation in detail. According to the requirements of the International Mineralogical Association, minerals include solid substances formed in the bowels of the Earth or its surfaces, which have the same chemical composition and crystal structure.
But not all minerals exactly meet the definition. For example, there are substances that have the same chemical composition, but do not form a crystal lattice, the so-called amorphous minerals (opal). Atoms in such structures are located very close to each other and do not form an orderedsystems. In this case, the bond between the atoms is quite strong. Their structure can be compared to glass.
Classification of minerals
Scientists have about 2500 minerals, which have their own varieties. According to the chemical elements that make up the composition, minerals are divided into several groups:
- Native elements are substances whose crystal lattice consists of only one chemical element. For example, sulfur, gold, platinum. An interesting fact: diamond and graphite are minerals consisting only of carbon, but having a different crystal structure. At the same time, diamond is the standard of strength, while graphite, on the contrary, is very soft. This group includes approximately 90 minerals.
- Sulfides are minerals whose crystals consist of sulfur and metals or non-metals. For example, galena, sphalerite. An interesting fact: the mineral pyrite has a second name "fool's gold". This is due to the fact that outwardly pyrite is similar in color and metallic luster to a precious metal. This group includes approximately 200 minerals.
- Sulfates are natural s alts of sulfuric acid. For example, barite, jarosite, gypsum, anhydrite. An interesting fact: barite is the only mineral that can neutralize x-rays. Therefore, the screens in the X-ray rooms are made of that mineral, and the walls are covered with barite plaster. The group includes about 260 minerals.
- Halides are minerals formed as a result of the combination of various chemical elements with halogens. For example, fluorite, sylvin, halite. Interesting fact: RomanEmperor Nero had a weakness for fluorite, buying products from it for a lot of money. The group includes about 100 minerals.
- Phosphates are natural s alts of phosphoric acid. For example, vivianite, purpurite, apatite. Interesting fact: turquoise is the most beloved gemstone of the Persians. The cost of some copies is 3-4 times higher than the price of gold. There are approximately 350 minerals in the group.
- Carbonates are natural s alts of carbonic acid. For example, calcite, dolomite, magnesite. An interesting fact: the mountain range of the Alps includes an array called the Dolomites, because dolomite is included in the composition of the rocks. Mountains turn pink when exposed to sunlight.
- Oxides are minerals formed as a result of the combination of metals and oxides. For example, alexandrite, flint, opal. Interesting fact: ametrine is one of the rarest on the planet. Its peculiarity is that the pattern of the precious stone is unique, each new copy differs from the previous one. The group contains about 200 minerals.
- Silicates - the most extensive group of minerals, which include silicon, aluminum. For example, topaz, plagioclase, serpentine. Interesting fact: even before the invention of glass, mica plates were inserted in windows.
Now, in order to see the difference and differences between rocks and minerals, let's analyze the first named concept.
Rocks
Minerals are not found in single specimens in the earth's crust. As a rule, under the influence of external factors, theycoalesce to form rocks. Thus, minerals differ from rock in that they are its building blocks. But not all minerals are involved in the formation of the rock. Therefore, scientists divide them into rock-forming (mostly silicates) and additional ones.
Rock classification
For a clearer understanding of how minerals differ from rocks, let's analyze the formation of the latter. Geologists distinguish three groups of rocks according to the path of their origin:
- Igneous were formed as a result of the outpouring of magma in the earth's thickness or on the surface (volcanoes). They are the primary rocks from which, as a result of various environmental influences, the rocks of the two remaining groups were formed. For example, granite, bas alt, gabbro.
- Metamorphic were formed as a result of tectonic movements of the earth's crust. This means that sedimentary rocks and magmatites were again in the earth's thickness and there, under the influence of high temperatures and pressure, they were transformed into new rocks. For example, gneisses, shale, marble.
- Sedimentary rocks account for only 10%. They are formed as a result of the action of wind, water on magmatites located on the surface of the Earth. For example, eluvium, deluvium, alluvium.
The formation of rocks and minerals are inseparable processes. We have determined how minerals differ from rock, and we can confidently say that these components of the earth's crust are interconnected.
