Module 5: Minerals

Look around your surroundings. Many of the things that you see from the metal in your desk, to the glass in the windows, to the computer that you are using, are made from the minerals that formed within Earth’s crust. It is hard to imagine that these minerals formed over thousands, and even millions, of years ago. These same minerals were mined and processed through refinement, and made into many of the products you use today. Some of these products include cars, soda cans, jewelry, tools, cosmetics, and the many objects in your room. Precious and semi-precious gemstones such as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, are also minerals.

Mineral mines are vast and impressive. Entire mountaintops are moved and enormous pits are dug in an effort to extract valuable minerals. Minerals are even mined from the ocean depths. Mining is not without environmental consequences. Land degradation, water and air pollution, and human health and safety issues are some of the serious issues that surround the mining of the minerals. Minerals are mined all over the Earth, but since they form slowly, there is a limited supply. Reusing and recycling products can help reduce the pressure on Earth's natural resources.

You will begin this module by exploring matter, the basic building block of all minerals. In addition, you will explore how minerals form and their uses. You will examine how minerals are classified, and how to identify common minerals by their physical properties.

Getting Started

Before you explore minerals, see how many minerals you have already used when you entered your bathroom this morning to prepare for your day. Some of them may surprise you. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of the interactivity.

 

Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.