What Is a Mineral? Smithsonian Video

Summary

Gabriela, a mineralogist at the National Museum of Natural History, introduces viewers to the world of minerals, explaining their importance in our daily lives and how they are the building blocks of rocks and ores for electronics. She presents a checklist to identify minerals: they must be solid, composed of consistent atomic ingredients, naturally occurring crystals, found outside a lab, and inorganic. Quartz and various other minerals are showcased, with the exception of amber, which is not a mineral due to its organic origin. Gabriela encourages viewers to become amateur mineralogists and observe minerals in their surroundings.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Minerals are the essential building blocks of rocks and are found in various forms around us.
• 🛍 Minerals are extracted from ores to obtain metals and rare elements used in electronics and other industries.
• 🌱 Minerals are present in the soils that are vital for growing the plants we consume for food.
• 💍 Minerals are used in jewelry and even in the glitter found in makeup products.
• 🔍 Gabriela, a mineralogist at the National Museum of Natural History, explains the science behind minerals.
• 📝 A mineral is defined by five key characteristics: it must be a solid, have consistent atomic composition, form a crystal, occur naturally, and be inorganic.
• 💎 Quartz is highlighted as an example of a mineral, composed of silicon and oxygen atoms arranged in a crystal lattice.
• 🔬 The process of crystal formation involves trillions of atoms coming together in a precise, repeating pattern.
• 🌍 Minerals are naturally occurring and are found in mines around the world, such as the Berns Quartz from Arkansas.
• 🚫 Amber, being fossilized tree sap, is pointed out as an example of a substance that is not a mineral because it is organic.
• 🔍 The script encourages viewers to become amateur mineralogists and apply the checklist to identify minerals in their surroundings.
• 🌈 Minerals come in various crystal shapes and colors, and their chemical composition is responsible for these differences.

Q & A

What are minerals and why are they important?

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and are essential in various aspects of life. They are extracted from ores to make metals and rare elements for electronics, found in soils for plant growth, and used in jewelry and cosmetics.

What is a mineralogist and what does Gabriela do as one?

A mineralogist is a scientist who studies minerals. Gabriela, as a mineralogist at the National Museum of Natural History, examines and explains the properties and characteristics of minerals.

What are the five criteria that define a mineral according to the script?

A mineral must be a solid, made up of consistent ingredients (atoms), form a crystal with a repeating atomic arrangement, be naturally occurring, and be inorganic, formed by geological processes.

What is the Berns Quartz and how does it fit the mineral criteria?

The Berns Quartz is a mineral specimen from the National Gem and Mineral Collection. It fits the mineral criteria as it is a solid, made of silicon and oxygen atoms, forms a crystal structure, is naturally occurring, and is inorganic.

Why is amber not considered a mineral?

Amber is not considered a mineral because it is fossilized tree sap, which means it is made by a plant, making it organic rather than inorganic.

How do minerals form different colors in their crystals?

The different colors of minerals are due to their chemical ingredients. For example, pyrite is made up of iron and sulfur atoms, which give it its characteristic color.

What are some examples of crystal structures mentioned in the script?

The script mentions cubic and hexagonal structures. Pyrite has a cubic structure, while beryl has a hexagonal structure.

How are minerals related to our daily lives apart from sunlight and air?

Minerals are involved in almost everything we interact with daily, from the electronics we use, the food we eat, to the makeup we wear.

What is the significance of the script's mention of different mines around the world?

The mention of different mines signifies the global distribution of mineral resources and the diversity of environments where minerals can be found.

How can one identify a mineral using the information from the script?

One can identify a mineral by checking if it is a solid, has consistent atomic ingredients, forms a crystal, is naturally occurring, and is inorganic.

What is the purpose of the script in encouraging viewers to notice minerals around them?

The script aims to raise awareness about the ubiquitous presence of minerals in our lives and to foster an interest in recognizing and appreciating their importance.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Introduction to Minerals

This paragraph introduces the concept of minerals as essential components in our daily lives, from the construction of rocks to their use in electronics, soil, jewelry, and cosmetics. Gabriela, a mineralogist at the National Museum of Natural History, explains that minerals are the foundation of many aspects of life and invites viewers to learn about the properties of quartz, a mineral specimen from the National Gem and Mineral Collection. The paragraph sets the stage for a deeper exploration of what defines a mineral and encourages viewers to apply scientific observation and pattern recognition.

📋 The Mineral Checklist

Gabriela outlines the criteria for identifying a mineral, creating a checklist that includes five key characteristics: solidity, consistent atomic composition, crystalline structure, natural occurrence, and inorganic nature. She uses the Berns Quartz as an example to illustrate these points, explaining that minerals are solid, made of specific atoms like silicon and oxygen in the case of quartz, form crystals through a precise arrangement of atoms, are naturally occurring and not man-made, and are inorganic, formed by geological processes rather than biological ones. The paragraph serves as a guide for viewers to understand and identify minerals.

🔍 Exploring Mineral Diversity

This section delves into the diversity of minerals, showcasing their different crystal shapes, colors, and natural formations. Gabriela assembles a collection of minerals to demonstrate their unique characteristics and how they are all naturally formed by the Earth, found in mines worldwide. She highlights the discovery of these minerals in various locations such as Spain, the United States, and Peru, emphasizing the global distribution of mineral resources. The paragraph also introduces the concept of non-minerals, using amber as an example of a substance that, despite its beauty, is not a mineral because it is derived from plant material.

🔬 Becoming a Mineralogist

Gabriela invites viewers to apply their newfound knowledge by acting as mineralogists themselves. She guides them through the checklist to identify the characteristics of various mineral specimens, such as pyrite and beryl, which have distinct atomic compositions and crystal structures. The paragraph encourages active learning and observation, teaching viewers to recognize the differences in minerals' chemical ingredients and how these contribute to their colors and structures. Gabriela's interactive approach helps to solidify the understanding of mineral properties and their importance in the world around us.

🌱 Minerals in Everyday Life

The final paragraph reinforces the omnipresence of minerals in our lives, beyond just sunlight and air. Gabriela hopes that the knowledge shared will inspire viewers to notice and appreciate the role of minerals in everything from the food we eat to the materials we use. She concludes by reminding viewers of the interconnectedness of minerals with all aspects of life, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the geological processes that create these essential elements.

Keywords

💡Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition and crystalline structure. They are the fundamental building blocks of rocks and are essential in various aspects of human life, from construction materials to the components of electronics. In the script, minerals are highlighted as being pervasive in everyday life, from the soil that grows our food to the glitter in makeup.

💡Rocks

Rocks are solid materials composed of minerals and mineral-like substances. They are an integral part of the Earth's crust and are used in construction and as a source of minerals. The script mentions rocks as being made up of minerals, emphasizing their importance in the geological makeup of the Earth.

💡Ores

Ores are naturally occurring rocks that contain valuable minerals or metals which can be extracted through mining. They are crucial for the production of metals and rare elements used in various industries, including electronics. The script discusses ores as a source of materials for technology and other applications.

💡Quartz

Quartz is a common mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is known for its hardness and is used in various applications, such as jewelry and technology. In the script, the Berns Quartz is presented as an example of a mineral, illustrating the properties that define minerals.

💡Crystal

A crystal is a solid material whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern extending in all three spatial dimensions. Crystals are a defining characteristic of minerals, as they exhibit a regular and symmetrical structure. The script explains that all minerals are crystals and uses quartz as an example of a crystal structure.

💡Inorganic

Inorganic substances are those not containing hydrocarbon groups and are not derived from living organisms. Minerals are classified as inorganic because they are formed through geological processes rather than biological ones. The script clarifies that minerals are inorganic, distinguishing them from organic materials like amber.

💡Naturally Occurring

Naturally occurring substances are those that are found in nature and not created by human processes. Minerals must be naturally occurring to be classified as such, as opposed to synthetic materials made in a lab. The script emphasizes that minerals are found in the Earth and are not man-made.

💡Mineralogist

A mineralogist is a scientist who studies minerals, including their composition, structure, and formation. Gabriela, the speaker in the script, identifies herself as a mineralogist working at the National Museum of Natural History, indicating the scientific study of minerals.

💡National Gem and Mineral Collection

This refers to a collection of gems and minerals that are typically housed in a museum or institution for display and study. The script mentions the Berns Quartz as part of such a collection, highlighting the importance of these collections in the study and appreciation of minerals.

💡Amber

Amber is fossilized tree resin, which has hardened over time. It is not a mineral because it originates from a biological source, unlike minerals that are inorganic. The script uses amber as an example to illustrate the distinction between organic and inorganic substances.

💡Pyrite

Pyrite, also known as fool's gold, is a mineral composed of iron and sulfur. It is known for its metallic luster and cubic crystal structure. The script mentions pyrite as an example of a mineral with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure.

💡Beryl

Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen, and it forms hexagonal crystal structures. It is notable for its variety of gemstone varieties, such as emerald and aquamarine. The script uses beryl to demonstrate the diversity of crystal structures found in minerals.

Highlights

Minerals are the building blocks of rocks and are essential in various industries.

Ores are extracted for metals and rare elements used in electronics.

Minerals are present in soils necessary for growing food crops.

Minerals are found in everyday items like jewelry and makeup.

Gabriela, a mineralogist, introduces herself and her work at the National Museum of Natural History.

Observation and pattern recognition are key skills in both everyday life and scientific research.

The Berns Quartz is a mineral specimen from the National Gem and Mineral Collection.

A mineral is defined by five key characteristics: solid state, consistent atomic composition, crystalline structure, natural occurrence, and inorganic nature.

Quartz is composed of silicon and oxygen atoms, demonstrating the atomic composition of minerals.

Crystals form from the precise arrangement of atoms, as seen in quartz.

Minerals must be naturally occurring and not artificially created in a laboratory.

The Berns Quartz was mined in Arkansas, illustrating the natural origin of minerals.

Minerals are inorganic and differ from organic materials formed by living organisms.

Different minerals exhibit various crystal shapes and colors due to their unique chemical compositions.

Amber is not a mineral because it is fossilized tree sap, an organic material.

Minerals are identified by their solid state, consistent ingredients, crystalline structure, natural occurrence, and inorganic nature.

Minerals are found globally and are integral to various aspects of human life beyond sunlight and air.

Encouragement for the audience to notice and appreciate the presence of minerals in their surroundings.

Transcripts

Did you know that

minerals are all around us?

Minerals are

the building blocks

that make up rocks.

They are the ores

that we extract

metals and rare elements

from to make electronics.

They're even in the soils

that we need

to grow

the plants that we eat for food.

They're in our jewelry.

They're even in glitter

used for makeup.

Hi, my name is Gabriela.

I'm a scientist

who studies minerals,

a mineralogist

here at the National Museum

of Natural History.

You know,

we have a lot in common.

You know how

to make observations

and find patterns

in the world around you.

That's the work of a scientist.

Right now,

I'm standing in front

of a mineral specimen

from our National Gem

and Mineral Collection.

This is the Berns Quartz.

Let's figure out what

makes quartz a mineral.

What is a mineral?

Let's make a checklist.

First, a mineral is a solid.

In other words,

a mineral cannot be a liquid

or a gas.

See, this quartz

crystal is solid.

Second, a mineral is made up

of consistent ingredients

called atoms.

In the case of quartz,

quartz is made up of two kinds

of atoms called silicon

and oxygen.

Third on our checklist,

a mineral has to be a crystal.

A crystal is made

when trillions of atoms

come together

in a repeating,

precise arrangement.

In the case of quartz,

the atoms come together

like this.

Fourth, a mineral

has to be naturally occurring,

which means that it's

made by the Earth

and found outside.

It cannot be something

that is only made

in a laboratory.

For example,

the Berns Quartz was dug

out of a mine in Arkansas.

Finally, number

five on our checklist.

Minerals are inorganic,

which means that they are

formed by the Earth

through geological processes.

Minerals are not organic,

which means that they are

not formed by plants

or animals.

Here I’ve assembled

some examples

of different minerals.

Note how

they all have different

crystal shapes,

they come in different colors

And amazingly, they are formed

naturally by the Earth.

They were all discovered

in mines

from all around the world.

However,

there is one example here

that's not a mineral.

Let's figure out why.

This is amber.

It's fossilized tree sap,

which means

that it's made by a plant.

And so it can't be a mineral.

Now it's your turn to be

a mineralogist.

Let's go through our checklist.

First,

all of these mineral

specimens are solids.

Second, all of

these minerals

are made up

of consistent ingredients.

For example,

this pyrite is made up of atoms

called iron and sulfur.

This is only made up of sulfur.

Now, it's

those chemical ingredients

that give

these minerals

their different colors.

Third,

all of these

minerals are crystals.

Look at how they all have

different crystal shapes,

different crystal structures.

For example,

this pyrite

is a cubic structure.

It looks like a cube,

whereas this beryl has

a hexagonal structure.

It makes a hexagon.

Fourth,

these minerals were all made

by the Earth, naturally.

they were discovered in mines

from around the world,

like from Spain.

This is from the United States.

And this is from Peru.

Finally, number five,

all of these minerals

are inorganic.

You did a

great job, mineralogists.

Remember, apart from sunlight,

and the air we breathe,

almost everything

that we interact with

in our daily lives

involves minerals in some way.

Now that you know

how to identify minerals,

I hope that you start

to notice them in the world

around you, just like me.