Soil Composition and Mineral Groups

Front

Soil is typically composed of what main components?

Back

Minerals, Organic Matter, Gas, Water

Front

According to one source, what percentage of soil is typically minerals?

Back

50%

Front

Soil can be described as a three-phase system consisting of:

Back

Solids, Liquids, Gases

Front

Minerals are defined as solid, naturally occurring earth materials with what two key characteristics?

Back

Crystal structure and definite chemical composition

Front

Which mineral group is the most abundant in the Earth's crust and soil, accounting for more than 90%?

Back

Silicates

Front

What are some other main mineral groups mentioned in the sources?

Back

Oxides, Carbonates, Sulphates, Sulphides, Phosphates, Halides, Native elements

Front

NOT listed as a main mineral group in the sources

Back

Nitrates

Front

Igneous rocks are produced from the crystallization of an assemblage of minerals from

Back

Magma, or hot liquid rock

Front

If magma cools on the Earth's crust quickly, it will crystallize into masses referred to as

Back

Extrusive or volcanic igneous rocks

Front

Slow cooling of magma within the crust results in what type of igneous rock texture

Back

Coarse grains (phaneritic)