Summary Key Term Check
Karla Panchuk
Chapter Main Ideas
Atoms
An atom comprises protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons arranged in energy shells around the nucleus. The first shell holds two electrons, and the outer shells hold more. Atoms strive to have eight electrons in their outermost shell (or two for H and He). Atoms gain, lose or share electrons to achieve this. In so doing, they become either positively charged cations (if they lose electrons) or negatively charged anions (if they gain them).
Bonding and Lattices
The main types of bonding in minerals are ionic bonding (electrons transferred) and covalent bonding (electrons shared). Some minerals have metallic bonding or weak Van der Waals forces. Minerals form in three-dimensional lattices. The configuration of the lattices and the type of bonding within help determine mineral properties.
Mineral Groups
Minerals are grouped according to the anion part of their formula. Some common types are oxides, sulfides, sulfates, halides, carbonates, phosphates, silicates, and native minerals.
Silicate Minerals
Silicate minerals are the most common minerals in Earth’s crust and mantle. They all have silica tetrahedra (four oxygens surrounding a single silicon atom) arranged in different structures (chains, sheets, etc.).
Do You Know the Common Silicate Minerals?
The most common rock-building minerals come up frequently in this textbook. Now is a good time to make sure you know what they are.
Mineral Properties
Some important mineral identification properties include hardness, cleavage/fracture, density, luster, color, and streak color.
Key Term Check
What key term from Chapter 5 is each card describing? Turn the card to check your answer.
