Chapter 5: Problem 2

Why is glass not a mineral?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Glass is not a mineral primarily because it is a man-made material and lacks an ordered crystalline structure. Its atoms are arranged in a random, disordered manner, and this amorphous property disqualifies it from being classified as a mineral.

Step by step solution

Definition of a Mineral

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic, solid substance with an ordered crystalline structure and a well-defined chemical composition.

Properties of Glass

Glass is an amorphous solid, meaning it does not have an ordered crystalline structure. Instead, its atoms are arranged in a random, disordered manner. Glass is also a man-made material, created by heating silica (sand) to high temperatures and cooling it quickly.

Comparing Glass to the Definition of a Mineral

Now let's compare glass's properties to the criteria for being a mineral: 1. Naturally occurring: Glass is a man-made material, not a naturally occurring substance. Therefore, it does not meet the first criterion for being a mineral. 2. Inorganic: Glass is an inorganic material, as it does not come from living organisms. 3. Solid: Glass is a solid at room temperature. 4. Ordered crystalline structure: Glass lacks an ordered crystalline structure, as its atoms are arranged in a random, disordered manner. 5. Defined chemical composition: Glass has a chemical composition based on its components, but it can vary depending on the specific type of glass.

Conclusion

Since glass is a man-made material and lacks an ordered crystalline structure, it does not meet the criteria for being a mineral. Therefore, glass is not a mineral.

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Why is glass not a mineral?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition of a Mineral

Properties of Glass

Comparing Glass to the Definition of a Mineral

Conclusion

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