"The purpose of this list is to provide a compilation of minerals which have Wikipedia articles."
Identification and classification of common rocks and minerals along with their physical properties.
Basic concepts of geology: This topic covers an introduction to the study of earth science and explains the basic concepts that one needs to master before delving deeper into rocks and minerals.
The rock cycle: The rock cycle is a continuous process that transforms rocks and minerals from one form to another. It is essential to understand its processes in the context of rocks and minerals.
Types of rocks: Rocks are classified into three categories: Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Understanding the formation and characteristics of each type is crucial.
Minerals and their properties: Learning about minerals, their properties, and their uses such as hardness, luster, crystal form, and color, among others is necessary.
Crystallography: This is the study of the internal structure of crystals and the basis of the physical and chemical properties of minerals.
Mineral identification: It is essential to learn how to identify minerals based on physical properties and their diagnostic characteristics and tests.
Mineral formation and occurrence: Different types of minerals form under varying conditions of temperature, pressure, and chemical composition, so understanding this topic is important.
Igneous rocks and their characteristics: Igneous rocks form from molten magma or lava and exhibit distinct characteristics. Knowing how and where they form will aid in identifying them.
Sedimentary rocks and their characteristics: Sedimentary rocks form from the accumulation of sediment and are the most common type of rock on the earth's surface.
Metamorphic rocks and their characteristics: Metamorphic rocks are formed by the effects of heat, pressure, and chemical change on other rocks.
Rock identification: This involves learning how to identify rocks based on their texture, mineral composition, and other features such as fossils, color, and layering.
Geologic time: Understanding the concept of deep time and how the earth has evolved geologically over millions of years is crucial.
Plate tectonics: Plate tectonics is the study of the movement of the earth's crustal plates, which is essential in understanding the formation of rocks and minerals.
Volcanoes and their rocks: Volcanic activity is a significant source of igneous rocks and an important geologic hazard.
Earthquakes: Earthquakes are often associated with the movements of tectonic plates and can lead to rock formations.
Mineral exploration and mining: This field covers the range of activities involved in the discovery, exploration, and extraction of minerals from the earth's crust.
Environmental impacts of mining: Mining activities have a significant impact on the environment, and this topic covers the environmental impact assessment and mitigation measures.
Geological hazards: Geological hazards such as landslides, sinkholes, and erosion can be caused by geological processes and can have devastating effects on the environment and society.
Historical geology: Historical geology covers the history of life on earth and uses rocks and minerals to understand the earth's past.
Geology and society: Geology plays a significant role in society, including the construction of buildings, infrastructure development, and resource management.
Igneous Rock: A rock that is formed from solidified magma or lava.
Sedimentary Rock: A rock that is formed from the deposition of organic and inorganic matter in layers over time.
Metamorphic Rock: A rock that is formed from the alteration of pre-existing rocks due to heat and pressure.
Quartz: A mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is widely found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Feldspar: A group of minerals that are the most common type of rock-forming minerals. They are found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Calcite: A mineral composed of calcium, carbon, and oxygen atoms. It is most commonly found in sedimentary rocks.
Mica: A group of minerals that are characterized by their ability to split into thin layers. They are most commonly found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Garnet: A mineral that is commonly found in metamorphic rocks. It is characterized by its shiny and colorful appearance.
Pyrite: A mineral composed of iron and sulfur atoms. It is commonly known as "fool's gold" due to its shiny appearance.
Hematite: A mineral composed of iron oxide. It is commonly found in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.
Magnetite: A mineral composed of iron oxide. It is strongly magnetic and is commonly found in igneous rocks.
Galena: A mineral composed of lead and sulfur atoms. It is commonly found in sedimentary rocks.
Halite: A mineral composed of sodium and chlorine atoms. It is commonly known as "rock salt" and is found in sedimentary rocks.
"Minerals are distinguished by various chemical and physical properties."
"Differences in chemical composition and crystal structure distinguish the various species."
"Within a mineral species there may be variation in physical properties or minor amounts of impurities."
"Mineralogists or wider society recognize the variation in physical properties or minor amounts of impurities."
"Mineral variety names are listed after the valid minerals for each letter."
"For a more complete listing of all mineral names, see List of minerals recognized by the International Mineralogical Association."
"Minerals are distinguished by various chemical and physical properties."
"Differences in chemical composition and crystal structure distinguish the various species."
"Mineralogists or wider society recognize the variation in physical properties or minor amounts of impurities."
"The International Mineralogical Association recognizes minerals."
"Mineral variety names are used to identify variations within a mineral species."
"Mineralogists or wider society recognize minor amounts of impurities that are recognized as a mineral variety."
"Differences in chemical composition and crystal structure distinguish the various species."
"Within a mineral species, there may be variation in physical properties or minor amounts of impurities."
"This list includes minerals which have Wikipedia articles."
"The compilation of this list is done by including minerals with Wikipedia articles."
"Mineralogists recognize physical properties or minor amounts of impurities that distinguish mineral varieties."
"Minerals are distinguished by various chemical and physical properties."
"Mineralogists or wider society recognize minor amounts of impurities that are recognized as a mineral variety."