5th Grade Science
Harcourt Science
Unit C

Chapter 2: Lesson 1 - pp. C32 - C39

Minerals

1. Solid material with particles in a repeating pattern.

2. Usually form from materials which were never alive

3. Form in nature; not in a laboratory

How They Are Formed

1. In the mantle - high heat and pressure form minerals.

Example: Diamonds are formed when high heat and pressure change carbon into sparkling crystals.

2. At or near the surface-in the crust or in the ocean

Example: Calcite forms in the ocean when calcium, oxygen, and carbon combine in sea water. Calcite also forms as evaporates in limestone caves.

3. From mineral rich water-hot water escaping and then mixing with other minerals before the water cools or evaporates.

Example: Galena

Mineral Properties

1. Streak - is the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is rubbed on a streak plate

2. Luster - is the way the surface of a mineral reflects light

3. Hardness - is the mineral’s ability to resist being scratched

Examples of How Minerals Are Used

1. Jewelry
2. Coins
3. Metal containers
4. Computer chips
5. Construction materials