Rocks and Minerals part 1

Definitions

As we can see the fundamental units of a rock are its minerals. A Mineral is a naturally homogeneous crystalline solid. The ions,atoms, molecules of one or more elements are arranged regularly in a definite lattice or pattern. If the pattern develops well defined planes or “ Faces” the mineral is referred to as a crystal. Crystalline particle refers to the fact that there are no well defined planes.

 A Stone is a layman’s term for any unidentified rock.

 A Powder is a layman’s term for fine particulate size, whereas Dust refers to particulate size smaller than 1/16^th mm. A Pigment is a substance imparting color

Organic: a substance having Carbon as one of its components.   Given the position of the Carbon element on the Chemical Periodic Table , one can readily see that Carbon can form compounds by giving up electrons or by filling up its electron shells from other elements. It is not surprising then that Organic compounds are quite diverse and more complex than inorganic compounds.

Inorganic: a substance without any Carbon atoms. In rock forming minerals, Silicates are the most diverse. A quick glimpse again at the Periodic Table reveals its position to be similar to Carbon and just below it. So Silica is also ambivalent.

Further classification of minerals will give insight as to how vast the field is and how modern cosmetic formulations are merely scratching the surface.

Although many industrial sources only speak of inorganic minerals, Minerals can be of Organic or Inorganic matter.  Minerals can be made of a single pure element or most commonly, can be made from compounds of two or more elements. Table 1 lists some common minerals.

Although Minerals are frequently used in formulations for their chemical or physical properties. At times they are used as inexpensive fillers.