in a freshmen science class we've been having trouble with this question. if anyone could give us a breif detailed explanation that'd be awesome, thanks!
2007-10-11 09:47:52 · 2 answers · asked by ? 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Colours are due to impurities in the crystal lattice or atomic framework. This happens during formation when a atom of similar size and/or charge fills in a spot where the an atom of the mineral's pure composition would have gone. Some impurities (like iron, titanium, cobalt, etc) will produce the same colour even in different minerals. Iron for example will produce a red colour in almost anything its in.
Metamorphic and Igneous refer to rock types, not minerals.
2007-10-11 11:29:21 · answer #1 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Colors are due to tiny impurities in the crystal or
they could have formed under different conditions. Some minerals are metamorphic and others are igneous.
2007-10-11 11:02:09 · answer #2 · answered by Gwenilynd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋