SINGH_C_Minerals_Week1Project.doc
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
100
Subject
Geology
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
6
Uploaded by MateHeronMaster549
GEOL 100 – Physical Geology - Week 1 – Authentic Project – Minerals
1
Knowledge Foundations: Minerals
a)
How many minerals have been discovered to date?
More than 5,600 minerals have been discovered on Earth to date, with at least another
thousand or more still awaiting discovery by mineralogists, the experts in this field (Estrada, 2021)
.
b)
List the 5 conditions necessary for a substance to be classified as a mineral:
i.
Inorganic
ii.
Naturally Occurring
iii.
Solid at room temperature
iv.
Definite Chemical Composition
v.
Ordered internal structure
References
Estrada, C. (2021, June 7). 3.2 how to identify minerals
. Dynamic Planet Exploring Geological Disasters and Environmental Change 2022. https://open.maricopa.edu/hazards2022/chapter/3-2-how-to-identify-minerals/ U.S. Department of the Interior. (n.d.). Minerals
. National Parks Service. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/geology/minerals.htm
GEOL 100 – Physical Geology - Week 1 – Authentic Project – Minerals
2
Research: Mineral
a)
Mineral Name
: LEAD
b)
Chemical Properties of your Mineral
1.
Mineral Chemical Formula (Chemical Composition):
Lead is classed as a chemical element, a material of only one sort of atom. Pb (Plumbum) is the chemical symbol for it.
2.
Which elements make up this mineral? Include element names and symbols.
Lead is usually made up of the element lead, denoted by the chemical symbol "Pb." Lead minerals can take numerous forms but contain lead in diverse chemical combinations.
3.
How many atoms of each element make up this mineral?
Lead includes only one sort of atom, with an atomic number of 82 indicating that a lead atom has 82 protons in its nucleus.
4.
Mineral Group (e.g., sulfides, oxides, silicates, etc.):
Lead is a chemical element, not a mineral group. However, lead can be found in various mineral ores, including galena (PbS), Cerussite (PbCO3), Pyromorphite (Pb5(PO4)3Cl), and anglesite (PbSO4), which belong to the sulfide, carbonate, phosphate, and sulfate mineral groups respectively (MAT, 2023)
.
c)
Physical Properties of your Mineral
1.
Crystal System:
As a chemical element, lead does not crystallize into a distinct crystal system.
2.
Hardness:
Lead has a Mohs scale hardness of 1.5. A fingertip can easily scratch it.
3.
Luster:
Lead has a metallic sheen, meaning it shines like metal.
GEOL 100 – Physical Geology - Week 1 – Authentic Project – Minerals
3
4.
Specific Gravity (Density):
Lead has a specific gravity of 11.34 g/cm3, making it relatively dense. 5.
Formation (describe how these mineral forms in nature):
Lead is commonly found in the Earth's crust as lead ores such as galena (PbS). These ores are primarily generated by hydrothermal processes in which lead minerals precipitate from hot, mineral-rich fluids that move through rocks. Weathering and the alteration of pre-
existing lead-containing minerals can also result in the formation of lead minerals.
d)
Human Use
1.
For which element(s) is(are) your mineral mined?
The element mined from lead minerals is lead (Pb).
2.
How do humans use the mined element(s)?
Lead is found in nature, however, rarely in pure form, but in ores with other metals, the most abundant of which is galena (PbS) in the Earth's crust. Lead is formed naturally by the radioactive disintegration of uranium and thorium via radon (
222
Rn
). There are four stable isotopes known: 204
Pb,
206
Pb,
207
Pb and
208
Pb
, the first three of which are used to estimate the ages of rocks. Lead compounds exist primarily in +2 or
+4 oxidation states, with the former being more prevalent (Acharya, 2013).
3.
Is this element critical to humans? Do humans need this element? Explain your answer.
Humans have been using lead for thousands of years for various purposes, including:
1.
Versatility of Lead:
Soft, malleable, and easy to work with.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
GEOL 100 – Physical Geology - Week 1 – Authentic Project – Minerals
4
They are used in bullets, guns, pipes, fishing sinkers, and radiation shields.
2.
Toxic Properties:
Lead is toxic and banned in many commercial products due to health concerns.
Ingesting or inhaling lead can lead to lead poisoning, particularly harmful to children.
3.
Historical Uses:
Lead is used in household items, such as utensils, crystals, ceramics, food cans, and plumbing joints.
Leaded gasoline was used in the U.S. until 1986.
Lead-based house paints were used until the late 1970s.
4.
Ongoing Concerns:
Imported products may still contain lead, including cans, ceramics, vinyl mini-blinds, playground equipment, hair dyes, and dishware.
5.
Environmental Impact:
Lead contamination from products like lead shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers.
Widespread environmental pollution, especially in bodies of water.
Harmful to wildlife and humans through the food chain.
6.
Lead-Free Alternatives:
Efforts to transition to lead-free alternatives in the United States are ongoing but still need to be completed.
GEOL 100 – Physical Geology - Week 1 – Authentic Project – Minerals
5
Some industries still use lead-based products, posing ongoing environmental and health concerns (The Facts on Lead).
Because of rigorous limits on the use of lead in commercial items, lead exposure in the United States has dropped dramatically over the years. However, it continues to be a major environmental health concern, particularly for children. An estimated half a million American children under the age of six have high lead levels in their blood, affecting their intelligence, conduct, and development even at previously thought-to-be-harmful levels (The Facts on Lead).
Children are particularly sensitive to lead poisoning because they frequently consume lead through peeling paint chips or contaminated fingers. They absorb lead more quickly than adults and are more vulnerable due to their tiny stature. Children in low-income metropolitan settings, particularly those living in older, poorly maintained houses, are particularly vulnerable. Minority children are more likely to be harmed in certain communities, however, lead poisoning can affect any child living in a house built before 1978 (The Facts on Lead).
Pregnant mothers can convey harmful levels of lead to their fetuses, and previous lead exposure can also pose concerns during pregnancy. Adults, particularly those in certain occupations such as building and house painting, can also become lead poisoned. Lead smelting and manufacture, as well as employment involving lead soldering and other lead-exposed activities, provide high occupational exposure concerns (The Facts on Lead).
Lead is a hazardous element, and prolonged exposure can be dangerous to people. It can build up in the body over time and create health problems, especially in children and pregnant women. While lead has a wide range of industrial applications, attempts have been undertaken to
restrict its use and ameliorate its environmental and health effects. In some circumstances, safer
GEOL 100 – Physical Geology - Week 1 – Authentic Project – Minerals
6
alternatives have been sought to replace lead in diverse uses. As a result, while lead has historical
and industrial importance, it is not considered necessary for human existence, and attempts are made to reduce exposure to it.
References
Acharya, S. (2013, September 23). Lead between the lines
. Nature News. https://www.nature.com/articles/nchem.1761 Lead
. Science Learning Hub. (n.d.). https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/resources/2785-lead MAT, M. (2023, April 23). Lead (PB) ore: Properties, minerals, formation, deposits
. Geology Science. https://geologyscience.com/ore-minerals/lead-ore/?amp Riwd. (n.d.). Tools
. Reade. https://www.reade.com/reade-resources/reference-educational/reade-
reference-chart-particle-property-briefings/specific-gravity-table-for-metals-minerals-
ceramics The Facts on Lead
. Dartmouth Toxic Metals. (n.d.). https://sites.dartmouth.edu/toxmetal/more-
metals/lead-versatile-metal-long-legacy/the-facts-on-lead/
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help