How can there be 2000 minerals when there are only 88 naturally occuring elements?
2007-11-26 12:08:10 · 5 answers · asked by Jeanette50 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Mineral are chemical compounds made up of different combinations of elements. Many minerals may have the same or similar chemical formula but be physically different enough to be separate minerals.
Some examples of this are,
Carbon - Coal, Graphite, Diamond
Silicon Dioxide - Quartz, Agate, Chalcedony, etc
Copper Carbonate Hydroxide - Azurite, Malachite
the list could go on, but you should get the point.
2007-11-26 13:24:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a guess but wouldn't elements contain minerals? Or maybe the 88 natural elements are the only minerals that are compatible to create the those elements. Or maybe when you combine the minerals there are only 88 elements that can come out of the 2000 minerals because the minerals will not fuse together to create the element. Or it's just the way it is where does the white go when the snow melts?
2007-11-26 12:22:50 · answer #2 · answered by pizzaboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Minerals are a combination of multiple elements and with 88 elements there are a huge number of possibilities. However, in the real world there are limits to the way these elements combine.
Silicon, aluminium, sodium and oxygen are found in many minerals but in different ratios and structural variations which create unique minerals.
Add other metals, carbon, sulphur and potassium among others and you'll get to 2000 before you know it.
2007-11-26 12:23:14 · answer #3 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because minerals are one element or the combination of elements.
2007-11-26 12:16:42 · answer #4 · answered by Cristobalite2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can make a A LOT of combinations with 88 things in tons (well not tons, but you see what I'm saying) of possible ratios.
2007-11-26 12:18:34 · answer #5 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋