Mineralogy. Definition of the content of a science of mineralogy and communication of mineralogy with other sciences about the earth.

The mineralogy is engaged in analysis of properties and a composition of minerals, revealing of geological conditions and the physicochemical conditions of formation of minerals, examination of minerals, as shapes of concentration of one and dispersion of other chemical elements, opening of mechanisms of origin, growth and fracture of minerals, mining of mineralogical measure of search of ore and nonmetallic raw materials.

Being a science about natural chemical combinations of crystalline structure, the mineralogy is closely related to a crystallography, physics and chemistry.

Concepts: a mineral, ore, a mineral view. Minerals term homogeneous for a composition and a structure the crystalline substances which are formed as a result of the physicochemical processes and being constituents of rocks and ores. From the chemical point of view a mineral - more or less homogeneous body answering to a certain composition. Physically each mineral also is characterised more or less certain, proper in it by qualities: hardness, in density, magnetisation, optical properties, etc.

To definition of concept "mineral" it is necessary to make following notes.

1. We will conventionally carry to minerals not only obviously crystalline substances, but also some is hidden crystalline and amorphous natural substances (chalcedony, agate, an opal and some other) which concern a kingdom of minerals. They also firm substances, yields of natural processes, constituents of rocks and ores.
2. It is necessary to carry to minerals natural chemically and structurally homogeneous formations which are constituents of other space bodies - the Moon, planets, meteorites. So, it is possible to speak about a mineral composition of lunar rocks, a mineral composition of stone meteorites etc. Thus it is interesting to score, that some minerals known in meteorites, are not known on the Earth (for example calcium sulphide - oldhamite CaS or phosphide of iron, nickel and cobalt (Fe, Ni, Co) 3P).
3. Various synthetic yields, close on properties, a composition and structure to minerals, are termed as artificial minerals. The artificial quartz gained in laboratory requirements, corundum, mica are that, for example, etc.

Distribution of minerals to the nature is extremely wide. All earth crust, all rocks and mineral deposits consist of minerals.

The sizes of mineral individuals can be from major, which mass some tons (feldspar, quartz), to the smallest kernels, visible only in a microscope. The majority of minerals meet in the form of fine and smallest kernels, forming granular structure magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic soils.

The number of their names with versions more than 4000 is known about 2200 minerals, and. The last speaks that many minerals have some names (synonyms). Besides, versions of minerals gain self-maintained names thanks to diversions from an elemental composition, colour and other properties. Widespread minerals in the nature is about 450 views, the others meet seldom.

Names of minerals are given on the characteristic physical properties, on an elemental composition or in a place where they have been discovered for the first time. Many minerals are termed in honour of scientific unclosed or featured them.

Minerals as minerals. There are no data.

Mineralogy use in geological prospecting. The mineralogy allows:

• To spot minerals and mineral versions;
• To spot an elemental composition of minerals, including and the devices of an impurity which are quite often in minute quantities;
• To erect crystalline structure of minerals;
• To study requirements of formation of minerals;
• To study possibilities of practical use of minerals and ores.

Technological mineralogy. Search mineralogy. hemology. Ecological (medical) mineralogy. There are no data.