Geology - Minerals

Explore the fundamental properties and crystal structures of Earth's most abundant minerals in this comprehensive 56-minute geology lecture. Delve into topics such as mineral luster, streak, hardness, cleavage directions, and physical properties. Learn about mineral chemistry, silicate classification, and the distinction between "dark" and "light" colored silicate minerals. Examine key felsic minerals like quartz and feldspar, as well as mafic minerals including olivine and pyroxenes. Discover important nonsilicate minerals, carbonate minerals, and the concept of polymorphs. Gain a deeper understanding of mineralogy and its significance in geology through this captivating and informative presentation, complete with closed captions for accessibility.

Minerals and their Properties
Luster (Light Reflectance)
Mineral Streak and Hardness
Common Cleavage Directions
Physical Properties of Minerals
Mineral Chemistry
Classification of Silicate Minerals
The Silicates
"Dark" versus "Light" Colored Silicate Minerals
Main Felsic Minerals: Quartz and Feldspar
Felsic Minerals: Feldspars
Solid Solutions and Alloys
Felsic Minerals: Clays
Mafic Minerals: Olivine Group
Mafic Minerals: Pyroxenes
Other Mafic Minerals
Important Nonsilicate Minerals
Carbonate Minerals
Polymorphs