The study of minerals that are most common in rocks, including quartz, feldspar, mica, and amphiboles.
Crystal structure: Understanding the arrangement of atoms in minerals and the different crystal systems they belong to.
Chemical composition: The elements that make up a mineral and their relative proportions.
Physical properties: Observing and measuring properties such as color, hardness, cleavage, luster, and density to identify minerals.
Classification: Systems for categorizing and naming minerals based on their chemical and physical characteristics.
Igneous rocks: How minerals form in molten rock and the different types of igneous rocks.
Sedimentary rocks: Mineral formation in sediments and the various types of sedimentary rocks.
Metamorphic rocks: The processes by which minerals change under high pressure and temperature to form metamorphic rocks.
Mineral associations: The common mineral groups found in different types of rocks and geologic settings.
Applied mineralogy: The use of mineralogy in various fields, such as mining, engineering, and forensics.
Mineral identification: The use of physical and chemical tests to identify unknown minerals.
Optical properties: Understanding the behavior of minerals when viewed under polarized light.
X-ray diffraction: A technique for identifying minerals based on their crystal structure and diffraction patterns.
Mineral occurrences: The distribution of minerals in the Earth's crust and the processes that concentrate them in specific locations.
Mineral resources: The economic significance of minerals and the systems that extract them for industry and commerce.
Environmental mineralogy: The role of minerals in the environment, including their impact on soil, water, and air quality.
Quartz: A mineral that is composed of silicon dioxide and occurs in many different forms, from colorless to pink, yellow, or brown.
Feldspar: A group of minerals that are primarily composed of aluminum silicates and are the most abundant minerals on Earth's crust.
Mica: A group of minerals composed of hydrated silicates of aluminum and potassium that are characterized by their sheet-like structure.
Olivine: A mineral that is composed of magnesium iron silicate and is typically green in color.
Pyroxene: A group of minerals that are composed of calcium, iron, or magnesium silicates and are typically black or dark green in color.
Amphibole: A group of minerals that are composed of calcium, iron, or magnesium silicates and are characterized by their elongated crystal structure.
Garnet: A group of minerals that are composed of silicates and typically occur as red or brown crystals.
Calcite: A mineral that is composed of calcium carbonate and occurs in a wide range of colors, from white to yellow, brown, or even blue.
Halite: A mineral that is composed of sodium chloride and is typically colorless or white.
Magnetite: A mineral that is composed of iron oxide and is typically black or dark brown in color.