Summary Engineering Geology 214 - Minerals

These notes provide an overview of mineral classification and identification, focusing on the major groups of silicate and non-silicate minerals that form the Earth's crust. The document introduces mineral structures, chemical compositions, and the key characteristics used to distinguish different mineral groups. Topics Covered: - Classification of silicate minerals based on the arrangement of silica tetrahedra - Nesosilicates (isolated tetrahedra): Olivine, Zircon, and Garnet - Sorosilicates (double tetrahedra): Epidote - Inosilicates (chain silicates): Pyroxene and Amphibole (Hornblende) - Phyllosilicates (sheet silicates): Muscovite, Biotite, Talc, Chlorite, and Kaolinite - Tectosilicates (framework silicates): Feldspar minerals (Orthoclase, Albite, Anorthite) and Quartz - Chemical compositions and major elements found within each mineral group.