| Vocabulary |
| minerals-
a natural inorganic substance with a definite chemical make up |
| atoms- the
smallest particle of an element. |
| element-
one of the simple substances, such as gold iron, carbon, sulfur, oxygen, and
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| vapors:
gas formed when a solid or liquid has been heated |
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| molten:
made liquid by great heat |
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There
are different type of minerals. All of them are solid. They are made up
atoms and elements. The atoms get so tight they form solid
mineral. They can grow, but minerals are not alive. Most minerals grow in
crystal shapes. Different crystals have different shapes. Minerals can grow
into crystal shapes if they have enough space. If there are too many crystals
growing in the same area, none of them can grow that large. Two main ways for
crystals to grow is 1. When magma and lava cools. 2.When water
evaporates. Minerals can be identified by other physical properties.
Each type of mineral has its own special characteristics. Minerals are
non-living, solid, and made of one kind of substance. There are different types of minerals. Each
type is made of particular groups of atoms. The atoms are called a crystal
lattice. The lattice of atoms is what gives the crystal shape.
Minerals are formed from solutions, melts, and sometimes
vapors. They form in a similar way. Minerals form when a solution becomes
supersaturated. Changing temperature, pressure, or concentration, the atoms may
combine to form an ordered arrangement. So a mineral needs chemicals from the
earth, temperature and pressure to form. An example of a melt would be igneous
rocks forming from molten magma batches. Minerals may not be alive, but they
make our lives much easier.
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