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3.3: The Formation and Mining of Minerals
Pg. 68-71IN: How do minerals form, and where do we get them?
Minerals form under different conditions Minerals make up the rocks of the
crust and so form in the same three ways that rocks do-sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous.
The environment can be deep underground or near the surface and that determines its properties.
Sedimentary formations Evaporating saltwater-salts and
minerals are left behind which crystallize into gypsum and halite, as well as limestones calcite and dolomite.
HaliteGypsum calcite dolomite
Metamorphic Rocks Changes in pressure temperature can
change the chemical makeup of a rock forming minerals such as garnet, graphite, hematite, mica, magnetite and talc.
garnet graphite mica hematite
Igneous Mineral formations Hot-water solutions: gold, copper,
sulfur and pyrite. Pegmatites: topaz and tourmaline Plutons: mica, feldspar and quartz
MiningSurface mining – the removal
of minerals or other materials at or near the Earth’s surface. It includes open pits, strip mines and quarries.
A copper mine in Chile
Environmental Effects Mining can destroy habitats of plants
and animals. Waste products can into water
sources and cause problems far from the mine.
Responsible MiningReclamation – the process of
returning land to its original state after mining is completed
How can we prevent the harmful effects of mining?
Minerals are nonrenewable resources which means that they will not replace themselves on the Earth within thousands or even millions of years if ever!