Too Tired? Too Anxious? Need More Time? We’ve got your back.
ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:
Rock sedimentary
For this assignment, you will be briefly conducting some research about only one mineral.
Choose one mineral from the list below based on the following criteria:
Either choose a mineral from the list that begins with the same letter as your first or last name
OR
choose a mineral from the list that begins with the same letter as your birth month.
This is the mineral you will be conducting your research about.
Aluminum (element in bauxite)
Antimony (found in stibnite and as traces in other metals)
Barite
Bauxite
Bentonite
Calcite
Copper
Diorite
Feldspar
Fluorite
Gold
Gypsum
Halite
Iron ore
Kaolinite
Lanthanum
Lepidolite
Mica
Nickel
Perlite
Platinum
Pyrite
Quartz
Silver
Stibnite
Talc
Vanadium
Wollastonite
Zinc
Zirconium
Your Task
Write a minimum of two pages with the following format:
Size 12 font
Times New Roman font
Double-spaced paragraphs
1-inch margins (default margins)
Answer the following questions:
Describe the common properties of the mineral (streak, color luster, specific gravity, cleavage/fracture, etc).
Describe the chemical formula of the mineral.
Where are major deposits located, and how is it mined?
What is the mineral used for, and what are the properties that suit the mineral for these uses?
Describe other important information about the mineral. For example, is it rare or common? Is the mineral associated with any issues, such as pollution through mining, etc.? Is the mineral more commonly used now than in the past? Is there something special about your mineral that makes it unique, such as special properties?
Include at least one image of your mineral.
Be sure to include a list of at least three resources where you found your information. Resources should be listed in APA format.
Note: Make sure to discuss practical uses. Oftentimes, searching online for mineral uses results in uses based on beliefs – such as special healing powers, etc. Try to avoid these resources, and use academic resources to answer the questions.
HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT(EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)
Exploring the Properties, Mining, and Uses of Sedimentary Rock: A Case Study on Calcite
Calcite is a mineral that belongs to the group of carbonates and is one of the most common minerals on earth. This mineral is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties. In this essay, we will explore the properties, mining, and uses of calcite.
Properties of Calcite Calcite has a chemical formula of CaCO3, which means it is composed of calcium, carbon, and oxygen. Its crystal structure is trigonal, and it has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. Calcite is usually colorless or white but can also appear in various colors such as pink, green, and blue. It has a vitreous to pearly luster and a specific gravity of 2.71. The mineral has perfect cleavage in three directions and can easily break into rhombohedrons. Calcite is also known for its double refraction, which means that it splits light into two rays.
Deposits and Mining Calcite can be found in many places around the world, but some of the major deposits are located in the United States, Mexico, China, and India. It is commonly found in sedimentary rocks such as limestone and marble. Calcite is usually mined from quarries and underground mines. The mining process involves drilling, blasting, and hauling the mineral to the surface.
Uses of Calcite Calcite has numerous practical uses in different industries. In the construction industry, it is used as a building material, such as in the production of cement and concrete. Calcite is also used as a filler in plastics, paint, and rubber, where it provides better stability and durability. The mineral is also used in the manufacturing of glass, paper, and ceramics. Additionally, calcite is used in agriculture as a soil conditioner to increase soil pH and reduce acidity.
Other Important Information Calcite is a relatively common mineral and is not considered rare. However, the purity and quality of the mineral can vary, depending on the location of the deposit. In terms of environmental impact, mining of calcite can result in the destruction of habitats and land degradation. However, the industry has implemented various measures to minimize these impacts, such as reforestation and rehabilitation of mining sites.
In conclusion, calcite is a mineral that has unique properties and practical uses in various industries. Its wide availability and versatility make it a valuable mineral in many applications. While mining calcite can have negative impacts on the environment, responsible mining practices can help minimize these impacts and ensure sustainable use of this mineral.
References: Jena, S. K., et al. (2018). Calcite: A versatile mineral in terms of its usage and properties. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 7(3), 331-339.
Klein, C., & Hurlbut, C. S. Jr. (1993). Manual of mineralogy. New York: Wiley.
United States Geological Survey. (2021). Mineral commodity summaries 2021. Retrieved from https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2021/mcs2021-calcium-carbonate.pdf
Too Tired? Too Anxious? Need More Time? We’ve got your back.