After reading, studying, and discussing Chapter 2, you should be able to:

• Explain the difference between a mineral and a rock.
• Describe the structure of an atom and how atoms bond.
• Explain what is meant by an isotope and why some isotopes are radioactive.
• Discuss the structure of minerals.
• List and describe the physical properties of minerals.
• Discuss the general classification of minerals.
• Describe the classification and structures of silicate minerals.
• List and describe some common silicate and nonsilicate minerals.
• Discuss mineral resources.

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