Chemical properties of minerals

The chemical properties of minerals are those that measure their ability to react with other substances. Some of these chemical properties can be perceived by the sense organs, such as taste (solubility) and smell (sulfur content).

The main chemical properties of minerals are:

• Reactivity.
• Solubility.
• Radioactivity.

Video (politicians and science): Hugo Chávez says he smells like sulfur.

Reactivity of a mineral

The reactivity is the ability of a mineral to cause certain chemical reactions.

For example, when calcite (CaCO₃) reacts with hydrochloric acid (ClH), it decomposes giving off carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Solubility of minerals

Solubility is the properties of some minerals that dissolve in water, such as gypsum.

In addition, some soluble minerals have a salty taste, such as halite (common salt) and silvin, which is somewhat more bitter.

Radioactivity of a mineral

Some minerals have radioactivity, such as uraninite, which emits atomic particles.

Interactive activity: Match each mineral with its most characteristic property.

Interactive activity: Match each property with its description.

Interactive activity: Properties of minerals.