Earth Sciences 2281A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Bravais Lattice, Halide Minerals, Carbonate Minerals
24 Jan 2019
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Document Summary
A mineral is a naturally occurring crystalline solid. Minerals are distinguished from each other by chemical composition and crystal structure which result in unique properties. Elements in a crystalline solid occur in a 3d regular pattern on the microscopic level. The 3d geometric arrangement pattern of a crystal is called a lattice. The lattice controls the micro behaviors of a crystal, and can be seen in the macro. For example, a crystal"s growth into free space is determined by its lattice. For minerals (which have a regular repeating lattice) we see a smooth sheet face. To be a minerals the substance must be made of crystals. There are other things made of crystals that are not minerals. A rock can be an aggregate of different minerals. The lattice structure or a mineral with nicely developed crystal faces". Wiki def: a crystal is any solid that has an organized structure. A physical manifestation of a single lattice crystal.
