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Engineering Geology study notes for finals
This is a draft cheat sheet. It is a work in progress and is not finished yet.
MATTER and MINERALS
Definition of a mineral
-naturally occurring
-inorganic
-solid
-specific chemical composition
-ordered atomic structure |
Polymorph: two different minerals that have the same compositionbut different crystal structures
E.g. graphite and diamond |
What is a crystal?
-any natural solid with an ordered, repetitive atomic structure
-a single continuous piece of crystalline solid bounded by flat surfaces that grew naturally. |
Crystal growth
-Solidification of melt: freezing of liquid; atoms attach to mineral surface; growth starts with a crystal seed.
-Precipitation from a solution: minerals seperate from water; groundwater->geode.
Solid-state diffusion: atoms or ions move through a solid(slow).
Biomineralisation: living organisms cause minerals to precipitate: clams
-Gas precipitate: volcanic vents |
Geode
a spherical hollow within a rock comprising of inward projecting crystals |
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MATTER and MINERALS
Crystal structure
-ordered chemical crystalline structure
-internal atomic arrangement determined by ionic size
-crystal lattice = 3D geometric pattern in which atoms are arranged-> controls outter shape |
Amorphous: A solid in which atoms are not arranged in definite crystal structure(glass) |
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