minerals

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What is a mineral?

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A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

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What is calcite?

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Calcite is a common mineral made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and is known for its rhombohedral crystal structure.

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What is quartz?

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Quartz is a hard, crystalline mineral composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust.

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What is quartzite?

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Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from the alteration of quartz sandstone, characterized by its hardness and resistance to weathering.

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What is gypsum?

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Gypsum is a soft sulfate mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O) and is used in plaster and drywall.

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What is gold?

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Gold is a dense, malleable, and ductile metal, often found in its native form and valued for its rarity and use in jewelry and electronics.

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What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

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A mineral is a single substance with a specific chemical composition, while a rock is a solid aggregate of one or more minerals.

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What are the properties of minerals?

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Minerals have specific properties such as hardness, luster, color, streak, and cleavage that help in their identification.

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What is the Mohs scale?

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The Mohs scale is a scale of mineral hardness ranging from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond), used to compare the hardness of different minerals.

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What is the significance of crystal structure in minerals?

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Crystal structure determines the shape and physical properties of a mineral, influencing how it breaks and its overall appearance.