Minerals and Mining Flashcard

Front

What is the General Mining Law of 1872?

Back

A law that governs mining activities on public lands in the United States, allowing individuals to stake claims and extract minerals.

Front

Why has the General Mining Law of 1872 been criticized?

Back

It gives away valuable public resources nearly for free.

Front

Define a mineral.

Back

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with an orderly crystalline structure and a definite chemical composition.

Front

What are the criteria for a substance to be classified as a mineral?

Back

It must be naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, and have a definite chemical composition.

Front

What is the main difference between metallic and nonmetallic minerals?

Back

Metallic minerals contain metals that can be extracted.

Front

What are polymorphs?

Back

Minerals that have the same chemical composition but different crystal structures, such as graphite and diamond.

Front

How do polymorphs like graphite and diamond differ in properties?

Back

They form under different conditions of temperature and pressure, resulting in different crystal structures.

Front

What is the significance of crystal structure in minerals?

Back

Crystal structure determines the physical properties of a mineral, including hardness, cleavage, and color.

Front

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

Back

A mineral is a single substance with a specific chemical composition, while a rock is a solid aggregate of one or more minerals.

Front

What is the role of mining in the economy?

Back

Mining provides essential raw materials for various industries, contributing to economic growth and job creation.