Chapter 7: Problem 38
Sample 10: Test this tenacity of this mineral by trying to bend it. Which way does it behave? a. sectile b. malleable c. elastic d. brittle
Short Answer
Expert verified
The mineral is malleable, because it bends without breaking.
Step by step solution
01
Understand Mineral Tenacity
Tenacity is the property that describes how a mineral responds to stress such as bending, breaking, or deformation. We need to determine which term fits the mineral's reaction to bending.
02
Define Each Property
- **Sectile**: A mineral that can be cut into thin shavings with a knife.
- **Malleable**: A mineral that can be hammered or bent easily without breaking.
- **Elastic**: A mineral that can return to its original shape after being bent.
- **Brittle**: A mineral that breaks or shatters when stress is applied.
03
Identify the Suitable Property for Bending
The exercise asks about bending, which specifically matches with 'malleable' because malleable materials bend easily without breaking. Elasticity also involves bending, but the mineral doesn't break and returns to shape, which is not testing for bending persistence.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sectile Minerals
Sectile minerals are unique because of their ability to be cut smoothly. This means that if you use a knife on a sectile mineral, you can create thin shavings, much like peeling an apple. This property is rare among minerals, making sectility a distinctive feature. The softness of sectile minerals allows them to be easily shaped and processed.
A classic example of a sectile mineral is gold. When gold is cut with a sharp tool, it does not crumble or break off in chunks. Instead, it forms thin slices or shavings. Other examples might include certain silver compounds or minerals high in this property. Being aware of a mineral's sectility can be crucial for geologists or jewelers. It tells them how the mineral might be handled or processed in various applications. Sectility can determine a mineral’s value or usefulness in delicate work such as detailed carvings or manufacturing.
A classic example of a sectile mineral is gold. When gold is cut with a sharp tool, it does not crumble or break off in chunks. Instead, it forms thin slices or shavings. Other examples might include certain silver compounds or minerals high in this property. Being aware of a mineral's sectility can be crucial for geologists or jewelers. It tells them how the mineral might be handled or processed in various applications. Sectility can determine a mineral’s value or usefulness in delicate work such as detailed carvings or manufacturing.
Malleable Minerals
The term malleability is often associated with metals like gold and silver, but some minerals exhibit this property too. Malleable minerals can withstand bending, and hammering without breaking, which makes them ideal for shaping.
Imagine pressing a malleable mineral; it won't easily snap or crumble. Instead, it bends or changes shape while maintaining its structure. Pyrite and some copper minerals display this characteristic. Understanding malleability is essential, especially in industries where minerals are required to be shaped, stretched or hammered into sheets or specific forms. It indicates the mineral's ability to be worked upon and still retain strength and integrity.
In a natural setting, a malleable mineral can endure environmental stress without breaking apart, making it durable in various geological formations. This attribute also influences how the mineral is mined and processed.
Imagine pressing a malleable mineral; it won't easily snap or crumble. Instead, it bends or changes shape while maintaining its structure. Pyrite and some copper minerals display this characteristic. Understanding malleability is essential, especially in industries where minerals are required to be shaped, stretched or hammered into sheets or specific forms. It indicates the mineral's ability to be worked upon and still retain strength and integrity.
In a natural setting, a malleable mineral can endure environmental stress without breaking apart, making it durable in various geological formations. This attribute also influences how the mineral is mined and processed.
Elastic Minerals
Elastic minerals are fascinating because of their ability to return to their original shape after being deformed. When you bend or stretch these minerals, they won’t stay deformed. Instead, they spring back to how they started.
This unique property is due to the mineral's internal structure, which allows it to absorb and release energy efficiently. A perfect example would be mica, a commonly known elastic mineral. You can bend a thin sheet of mica, and it will resume its original shape without any creases or breaks. In practical applications, this elasticity can be significant. It means the mineral can be used in environments where flexibility is crucial, such as electronic devices or flexible screens. Moreover, elastic minerals resist wear and tear, as they can absorb impacts without sustaining damage.
Recognizing a mineral's elasticity helps in determining its suitability for various innovative and practical uses in technology and other fields.
This unique property is due to the mineral's internal structure, which allows it to absorb and release energy efficiently. A perfect example would be mica, a commonly known elastic mineral. You can bend a thin sheet of mica, and it will resume its original shape without any creases or breaks. In practical applications, this elasticity can be significant. It means the mineral can be used in environments where flexibility is crucial, such as electronic devices or flexible screens. Moreover, elastic minerals resist wear and tear, as they can absorb impacts without sustaining damage.
Recognizing a mineral's elasticity helps in determining its suitability for various innovative and practical uses in technology and other fields.
Brittle Minerals
Brittle minerals are the exact opposite of malleable ones. Instead of bending or deforming, these minerals tend to break or shatter when subjected to stress.
Imagine trying to bend a brittle mineral. Instead of flexing, it responds by cracking. Quartz is a good example of a brittle mineral; when you apply pressure, it breaks rather than bends. The brittleness of a mineral is determined by its lack of flexibility and its tendency to fracture under stress. This characteristic greatly influences how these minerals are used. For instance, many brittle minerals find use as abrasives or decorative stones, where their hardness and aesthetic properties are more valuable than flexibility. Understanding brittleness is important when considering the durability and method of usage for a particular mineral. It ensures that proper handling and usage techniques are applied to prevent unnecessary damage or waste.
Imagine trying to bend a brittle mineral. Instead of flexing, it responds by cracking. Quartz is a good example of a brittle mineral; when you apply pressure, it breaks rather than bends. The brittleness of a mineral is determined by its lack of flexibility and its tendency to fracture under stress. This characteristic greatly influences how these minerals are used. For instance, many brittle minerals find use as abrasives or decorative stones, where their hardness and aesthetic properties are more valuable than flexibility. Understanding brittleness is important when considering the durability and method of usage for a particular mineral. It ensures that proper handling and usage techniques are applied to prevent unnecessary damage or waste.
