Dom Triviamaster

Mineralogy: History, Methods and More

The study of minerals and their structure, chemistry and physical properties is known as mineralogy. Mineralogy also encompasses several other processes, which include classification,distribution worldwide, formation, origin and utilization.

The study of minerals and their structure, chemistry and physical properties is known as mineralogy. Mineralogy also encompasses several other processes, which include classification,distribution worldwide, formation, origin and utilization.

A Brief History of Mineralogy

Research into mineralogy has been documented as far back as ancient times and its modern studyis believed to be founded upon the principles of another study, crystallography. GeorgiusAgricola developed several works focused on the study of rocks and metals, which spurred thesubject’s scientific approach. However, the earliest writings concerning mineralogy date back toancient Babylonia and ancient India.

The IMA, or International Mineralogical Association, was formed in 1958 in an effort tostandardize several aspects included in the study of mineralogy. This organization is made up ofmineralogists in countries around the world. Together, they manage the tedious tasks of namingminerals, documenting mineral locations and more. To date, the association has documentedmore than 4,000 different types of minerals.

Many Different Methods Are Associated with Mineralogy

Several different methods are required to correctly and successfully reference minerals using thescientific process. These methods are used to define the chemical makeup, the overall physicaldescription, the atomic arrangement, the index of refraction, its role in biology and more.

Physical mineralogy is the simplest method used to identify minerals; however, it is also used to classify minerals and categorize them. The physical attributes that are taken into consideration include color, hardness, cleavage, crystal structure, specific gravity, luster, twinning, streak and crystal habit.

Optical Mineralogy uses light sources to not only identify, but classify a mineral. This method has determined that minerals not belonging to the cubic system will be double refracting, while those that are will be single refracting. Minerals that are triple refracting are typically orthorhombic, triclinic and monoclinic.

Chemical mineralogy identifies minerals by closely examining their chemical composition. Their chemical makeup also allows them to be properly classified and categorized. However, due to very few minerals earning the classification of “whole element”, most fall into isomorphous groups.

Descriptive mineralogy is used to further study minerals and classify them by their properties and uses. Some of the classifications for this method include: organic minerals; sulfides; sulfates; chromates, tungstates and molybdates; halides; native elements; silicates; carbonates, borates and nitrates; and phosphates, vanadates and arsenates.

Biomineralogy blends mineralogy and biology with paleontology to determine how minerals may be stabilized by animals and plants in their respective locations. This method utilizes several chemical mineralogy techniques to determine these things, which is why it is termed a cross-over field.

Formation environments are also a method used to identify, successfully classify and categorize a mineral. Because mineral growth varies greatly, there are several formation methods possible, including: crystallization occurring by sediment diagenesis, crystallization occurring due to igneous magma, sublimation occurring via volcanic gases, formations occurring due to oxidation, recrystallization occurring by metamorphic processes or metasomatism, and finally depositions that occur due to hydrothermal brines and aqueous solutions.

Crystal structure is used as well. This method uses x-rays to verify a mineral’s atomic arrangement in order to identify and subsequently classify them.

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