Mineral Classes
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Dana's System of Mineralogy (7th Edition), is the standard mineral reference. Every mineral species included belongs in one of fifteen classes, beginning with "native elements" and ending with "silicates." The minerals are classified on the basis of their crystal chemistry -- that is, their chemical makeup and crystal structure. Chesterman, p. 343
These are the fifteen mineral classes:
- Native Elements
- Sulfides, Arsenides and Tellurides
- Sulfosalts
- Simple Oxides
- Hydroxides
- Multiple Oxides
- Halides
- Carbonates
- Borates
- Sulfates
- Chromates
- Phosphates, Arsenates, and Vanadates
- Vanadium Oxysalts
- Molybdates and Tungstates
- Silicates
Chesterman, Contents
Sources
- Chesterman, Charles W. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals, Alfred A. Knopf: New York (1987)