Adopt-a-Mineral Project
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Diamond Extraction Methods
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Mineralogy was first pioneered around 70 AD by Pliny the Elder, who wrote a book describing over 30 minerals at the time. Some 1500 years later is when mineralogy emerged as a science by Georg Baur, also known as Agricola, in his publication entitled De Re Metallica. Modern mineralogy expanded exponentially during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This was in part due to A.G. Werner, a mining geologist, who proposed the first chemical classification system (Wenk, 4). To learn more about two minerals, epidote and platinum, read on...
Introduction
There are several definitions to a mineral out there. Technically, "mineral" is of Latin origin and designated for materials coming from mines. However, a better definition for mineralogy class is that "minerals are naturally-occurring inorganic substances with a definite and predictable chemical composition and physical properties" (Barthelmy, 2000).
Epidote
Epidote is a unique mineral. This beautiful species classifies as a disilicate and appears pea green in color. On the Mohs hardness scale, epidote ranges from a 6-7, which is just harder than your average window glass (Dyar, 1998). Specific gravity of this mineral is around 3.4. Streak is white and epidote cleaves perfectly (001). This mineral has a short to long prismatic habit with columnar crystals with a vitreous to pearly luster. Another mineral characteristic is the conchoidal, uneven, to splintery fracture epidote possesses. Epidote is geologically formed by regional and contact metamorphosed metamorphic and igneous rocks, or as a product of hydrothermal alteration of plagioclase (Dyar, 1998).
The image shown above and to the right was taken from http://webmineral.com/data/Epidote.shtml.
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Platinum
Platinum is a transitional metal, and can be found on the periodic table as atomic number 78. The metal is extremely rare, being only found in 5 parts per billion in the Earth’s crust. This fact makes the metal extremely pricey, at around $1200 per troy ounce, in 2006. Primarily, this precious metal is found in the South Africa region of the world. Platinum has many notable characteristics. Density for this metal stands at 21.45 grams per cubic centimeter with a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs hardness scale (Barbalace, 2007).
Another characteristic that sets platinum apart from many elements is its extremely high melting point of nearly 3200 degrees Fahrenheit! This makes it very useful in many industries including jewelry, automotive, dentistry, and electrical, among others (Barbalace, 2007). The electrical industry uses platinum as contact points.
Platinum is produced from native platinum ore deposits. The annual world wide production is only 30 tons. Discovery of the metal is attributed to Antonio de Ulloa of Spain in 1735. However, it is known that pre-Columbian Indians used platinum long before this time for various metal work, including tools and masks (Barbalace, 2007).
Image of platinum shown above and to the left was taken from webmineral.com/specimens/picshow.php?id=2622, Paul M. Schumacher and the webmineral.com website and will be used only for educational purposes.
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Conclusions
These mineral descriptions are just two simple investigations of the several thousand mineral species out there. There are more technical aspects behind these simple mineral characteristics that are not covered here. The atomic processes and chemical properties combine to create these complex wonders of nature.Thank you for taking your time to learn a little more about mineralogy! For more information on this webpage, email tring@hotmail.com.
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Return to GO336 Student Webpages, www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/go336/webpages.htm. Webpage created October 31, 2007; last update November 30, 2007.
Sources
Related Links
Emporia State University
www.emporia.edu
Earth Science at ESU
www.emporia.edu/earthsci
Mineralogy Webpage Assignment
www.emporia.edu/earthsci/
amber/go336/assign.htm
Past Student Projects
www.emporia.edu/earthsci/
amber/go336/webpages.htm