Minerals *
*Note: This is an abbreviated Project Idea, without notes to start your background research, a specific list of materials, or a procedure for how to do the experiment. You can identify abbreviated Project Ideas by the asterisk at the end of the title. If you want a Project Idea with full instructions, please pick one without an asterisk.
Abstract
Minerals are sometimes precious, like diamonds. But most minerals are very common, like sodium, which is found in salt. How are minerals found and identified? How are our mineral resources distributed? Visit the USGS Mineral Resource Program to find mineral resources in your state. How are satellite images used to identify potential mineral sources? You can also find out how minerals are identified using spectroscopy. How are potentially harmful minerals, like mercury, dealt with? Visit the Mineralogical Society of America to learn how to identify minerals. They also have a database of crystal structures for different minerals. How do crystal structures of different minerals compare? (USGS, 2006; MSA 2006)Share your story with Science Buddies!
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Last edit date: 2013-01-10
Bibliography
- MSA, 2006. "MSA Home Page," Mineralogical Society of America [accessed 3/24/06] http://www.minsocam.org/.
- USGS, 2006. "Mineral Resources Program," United States Geological Survey (USGS) [accessed 3/23/06] http://minerals.usgs.gov/.
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