How are minerals classified? give an example of each types of minerals

Mineral classification is based upon the chemical composition of the minerals. There exist at least 3000 different kinds of minerals which makes it necessary to have a system to classify them.

Carbonates are a class of minerals that are composed of carbon, oxygen, together with a metallic element. Calcite better known as calcium carbonate is an example of a mineral of this type.

Halides are made up of halogen elements like bromine, chlorine, fluorine and iodine, together with metallic elements. Halides are super soft and are highly soluble in water. A common example under this category is halite which is known as sodium chloride.

Mineraloids are those minerals that do not fit perfectly into the other 8 classes of minerals. They include: amber, jet, mother of pearl and opal.

Native elements are a class of pure minerals. A lot of minerals exist in combinations of numerous chemical compounds. Native elements are those that occur naturally in a pure state, for example copper is a single element mineral.

Oxides arise when metals are combined with oxygen. This class consists of dull ores such as bauxite and gems such as sapphire and ruby.

Phosphates are created when there is break down of other minerals through weathering. They are usually bright in color and do not occur as much as the other groups of minerals.

Silicates form the largest family of minerals. They arise from the combination of metals with oxygen and silicon. There exist more silicates on earth than all the other minerals added together. Mica is a common example under this category.

Sulfates form from the combination of sulfur compounds with oxygen and metals. This is also a large family of minerals, which are soft and translucent in nature. Barite is a good example of a sulfate.

Sulfides are composed of sulfur compounds often together with a metal. They are heavy and brittle in nature. Pyrite is an example of a sulfide.

Explanation: