Describe two ways minerals form Formation of Minerals

Formation of Minerals

Minerals are essential components of rocks and form the basis of Earth’s lithosphere. They are formed through the process of crystallization in a range of different ways. The two most common ways in which minerals form are precipitation and crystallization from magma. Precipitation is the process by which minerals form from aqueous solutions. It occurs when an element in a solution becomes so concentrated that it reaches its saturation point, and is transformed into a solid state. Mineral particles in the solution become too heavy as the concentration increases, and begin to sink and settle at the bottom of the solution (Madsen, et al., 2017). Minerals such as sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, and sodium sulfate are all formed through precipitation. Crystallization from magma is the process by which minerals form within a molten material. It occurs when a magma cools and solidifies, and mineral crystals begin to form within it (Madsen, et al., 2017). The cooling process causes the magma to become denser and heavier, and the mineral particles settle and form a crystalline structure. Minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica are all… Cont…