Mineral classifications attempt to associate minerals that are similar, and to separate those that are dissimilar. Since minerals may be alike in some ways yet different in others, the basis selected for classification will determine which minerals are brought together and which are set apart.
Bases of Mineral Classifications
Minerals may be arranged in order of increasing specific gravities or hardness, according to luster, optical properties, or crystal structure. All minerals possessing the same chemical element as an important constituent may be grouped together. Minerals may be arranged according to chemical class. Each of the systems has its own uses.
A classification of the nonsilicate minerals founded upon both chemistry and crystal structure has become accepted as being of greatest use to the earth scientist. Conceived by Berzelius in 1814, this scheme is developed in its most elaborate form in the 7th edition of Dana's System of Mineralogy(Palache, et al.). The...
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References
Deer, W. A.; Howie, R. A.; and Zussman, J., 1962–1965. Rock-Forming Minerals. London: Longmans, 5 vols.
Hintze, C., and Linck, L., 1889–1939. Handbuch der Minerologie. Berlin: De Gruyter, 6 vols.
Hurlbut, C. S., Jr., and Klein, C., 1977. Dana's Manual of Mineralogy, 19th ed. New York: Wiley, 532p.
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Palache, C., Berman, H.; and Frondel, C. The System of Mineralogy of J. D. Dana and E. S. Dana, 7th ed. New York: Wiley, vol. 1, 1944: val. 2; 1951; vol. 3, 1962.
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© 1981 Hutchinson Ross Publishing Company
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Jenkins, J.T. (1981). Mineral classification principles . In: Mineralogy. Encyclopedia of Earth Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30720-6_77
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