Geology - Mineral Identification and Usage
Geology -- Mineral Identification and Usage
“We learn geology the morning after the earthquake.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
While landforms such as the majestic Appalachian Mountains were birthed by dynamic geological activities, our dependence on geological resources in more subtle ways is just as important. Our modern technological society depends on minerals to support our economy, our society, and the lifestyles we enjoy. On a more personal note, even our bodies are composed of minerals. According to the Mineral Information Institute in Golden, Colorado, every American born will need 3.5 million pounds of minerals, metals, and fuels in a lifetime!!! So, if you previously found yourself asking, “Why would I want to study rocks and minerals,” then we hope you have found an answer. Let’s not wait until the morning after the earthquake to learn geology, but do it now!
Objectives and Guiding Questions
- What is a mineral?
- What are the properties of minerals and how are they identified?
- How are minerals classified?
- How do minerals affect society?
Mineral Identification
Please review the website LINK for mineral identification and complete the mineral identification activity.
Mineral Usage
Use this LINK to view a USGS publication that titled "The Life Cycle of a Mineral Deposit..."
- Please read the first seven pages of this publication.
- Please look through the lessons of this publication.
Use this LINK to view a pdf document that shows some of the common household items and the minerals that are used to make these items.
At This Point - Proceed to the next topic: Geology - Rock Formation and Cycle