Changes

[[Image:Mineral.jpg|thumb|300px]]A '''mineral''' is a naturally occurring, inorganic, homogeneous solid, such as [[quartz]], mica, or gypsum. Minerals are most commonly found as components of [[rocks]], which are mixture of minerals, but are often found by themselves in more or less pure form.

[[Image:Mineral.jpg|thumb|300px]]A '''mineral''' is a naturally occurring, inorganic, homogeneous solid, such as [[quartz]], mica, or gypsum. Minerals are most commonly found as components of [[rocks]], which are mixture of minerals, but are often found by themselves in more or less pure form.

The molecules of a mineral usually are arranged in a regular pattern, and may grow in a regular, visible, crystalline structure. When they do, they are often beautiful in appearance.  

The [[molecules]] of a mineral usually are arranged in a regular pattern, and may grow in a regular, visible, crystalline structure. When they do, they are often beautiful in appearance.  

Minerals whose appearance and other characteristics (such as hardness and durability) make them suitable for jewelry or decoration, are known as gems or as semiprecious or [[precious stone]]s.  

Minerals whose appearance and other characteristics (such as hardness and durability) make them suitable for jewelry or decoration, are known as gems or as semiprecious or [[precious stone]]s.  

==11 Major Mineral Classes==

==11 Major Mineral Classes==

#[[Native Element|Elements]]

#[[Native Element|Elements]]

#[[Sulfides]]

#[[Sulfides, Arsenides and Tellurides|Sulfides]]

#[[Sulfosalts]]

#[[Sulfosalts]]

#[[Oxides]]

#[[Simple Oxides|Oxides]]

#[[Halides]]

#[[Halides]]

#[[Carbonates]]

#[[Carbonates]]

#[[Borates]]

#[[Borates]]

#[[Sulfates]]

#[[Sulfates]]

#[[Phosphates]], [[Chromates]], [[Arsenates]], [[Vanadates]]

#[[Phosphates, Arsenates, and Vanadates|Phosphates]], [[Chromates]], [[Arsenates]], [[Vanadates]]

#[[Tungstates]] and [[Molybdates]]

#[[Molybdates and Tungstates|Tungstates]] and [[Molybdates]]

#[[Silicates]] <ref>Sinkankas, John; ''Mineralogy for Amateurs'', Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1964, page 49</ref>

#[[Silicates]] <ref>Sinkankas, John; ''Mineralogy for Amateurs'', Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1964, page 49</ref>