Question

List 3 minerals mined in Minnesota.

-What is the mineral chemical composition and classification?

-Describe 2 properties unique to the mineral.

-Where is the mine located?

-How is the mineral used?

Answer 1

• Mineral: Iron Ore

Chemical composition and classification: Can be found in the fom of magnetite (Fe3O4, 72.4% Fe), hematite (Fe2O3, 69.9% Fe), goethite (FeO(OH), 62.9% Fe), limonite (FeO(OH)·n(H2O), 55% Fe) or siderite (FeCO3, 48.2% Fe).

Properties: They can be fed directly into iron-making blast furnaces and are rich in oxides.

Location: Silver Bay, Minnesota

Uses: Used to make steel of various types.

• Mineral: Silica sand

Chemical composition and classification: An oxide of silicon with the chemical formula SiO2, most commonly found in nature as quartz.

Properties: Solid, crystallized mineral. Colorless.

Location: Southeastern Minnesota.

Uses: Electrical insulation in electronics, food industry, pharmaceutical industry.

• Mineral: Kaolinite

Chemical composition and classification: Al2Si2O5(OH)4

Properties: Low shrink–swell capacity and a low cation-exchange capacity.

Location: Minnesota River Valley

Uses: Making bricks, coating for paper manufacturing, and pottery.