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Mineral Models, 2021

     What does the basic molecular structure of minerals look like? More than 4,000 naturally occurring minerals—solids that have a characteristic chemical composition and specific   crystal structure—have been found on Earth. They are formed of simple molecules or individual elements arranged in repeating chains, sheets, or three-dimensional arrays. Minerals are typically formed when molten rock, or magma, cools, or by separating out of mineral-rich water, such as that in underground caverns. In general, mineral particles are small, having formed within confined areas such as lava flows or between grains of sediments. Large crystals found in geodes and other rocks are relatively rare. By building basic models, and under-standing of mineral structures can be obtained.

Procedure

Materials: (per group)

½ Bag of Small Marshmallows (atoms)      

½ Box of Toothpicks (bonds)

Paper

Fine Tipped Black Marker (label certain atoms)

Steps:

1. On a separate sheet of paper, create a series of well thought out questions for each section that you must also answer. Try not to use any pass questioning from internet, lecture, text, and/or study guides.

2. Follow the directions for creating a molecule for each of the following minerals including Silicates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Oxides, and Halides.  

3. After completing a section/topic, ask to be checked prior to moving on to the next section/topic. Feel free to recycle/reuse marshmallow atoms for the next set of molecules.

4. Oxygen will be represented as “white”; thus, no color is needed.  Note: The fine tipped black marker will be used to write other element symbols; include any + and/or - charges.  

5. Asked to be checked off after “each” section.

Section 1: Silicates

A. Develop 2 Questions about this Mineral Type Here and Answer Them Appropriately:

B. Using the materials and illustration(s) provided, create the following molecule:

Section 2: Carbonates

A. Develop 2 Questions about this Mineral Type Here and Answer Them Appropriately:

B. Using the materials and illustration(s) provided, create the following molecule:

Section 3: Sulfates

A. Develop 2 Questions about this Mineral Type Here and Answer Them Appropriately:

B. Using the materials and illustration(s) provided, create the following molecule:

Section 4: Oxides

A. Develop 2 Questions about this Mineral Type Here and Answer Them Appropriately:

B. Using the materials and illustration(s) provided, create the following molecules:

Iron Oxide: (Note to place a bond btwn H and O of HO)

Sodium Hydroxide:

Section 5: Halides

A. Develop 2 Questions about this Mineral Type Here and Answer Them Appropriately:

B. Using the materials and illustration(s) provided, create the following molecule:

Salt: NaCl: Note (Label w/ Marker Cl = bigger; Na = smaller)

Extra

Please Visit and Interact

https://virtual-museum.soils.wisc.edu/displays/