Minerals are naturally occurring substances with uniform structure and are composed of one or more chemicals (including elements and salts, etc.). They are formed by a number of processes, including cooling of molten material, evaporation of solutions and high temperature and pressure conditions. Earth's mantle is very hot and this high temperature causes rocks to melt. These molten rocks appear on the surface as lava or magma and form minerals as it cools. Quartz, feldspar and topaz are examples of minerals of magmatic origins. Evaporation of ocean water forms crystals of sodium chloride. Similarly, calcite is formed by evaporation of water (limestone towers in Mono Lake, California are examples of this type of mineral formation). Diamonds are formed by high pressure (metamorphosis). Other gems such as, opal and emeralds are also examples of similar mineral formation processes.
Hope this helps.
No comments:
Post a Comment