Minerals

Virginia SOL GEO.2

Investigate mineral formation, structure, properties, identification, distribution, and uses.

What students need to be able to do

  • Develop and use a model to explain mineral formation and resulting characteristics.
  • Explain how the structure of a mineral results in specific mineral properties.
  • Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of minerals.
  • Explain how physical and chemical characteristics are used in mineral identification.
  • Make, support, and evaluate a claim about the cost and benefits of obtaining, refining, and utilizing mineral resources.
  • Analyze the distribution of mineral resources of Virginia and compare to global distribution.
  • Evaluate how the properties of minerals determine their use.