Understanding Organic and Metallic Minerals: Clarifying the Terminology
Understanding Organic and Metallic Minerals: Clarifying the Terminology
When discussing minerals, it is easy to confuse the terms 'organic' and 'metallic' due to their colloquial usage and varying definitions in different fields. This article aims to clarify these terms and provide a clearer understanding based on the standards and definitions established by prominent scientific communities, such as organic chemists and mineralogists.
The Concept of Organic Minerals
When your instructor refers to 'organic' minerals, they might be using the term in a broader sense to include naturally occurring compounds and materials, which are primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon. However, in the context of organic chemistry, an 'organic compound' is characterized by containing carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms, and possibly other elements in their bonding structure. These compounds may also include acidic or other functional groups.
It is important to note that while some minerals formed from biological processes may be considered 'organic' in everyday language, the term 'organic' in the context of chemistry does not imply a biological origin. For instance, carbonates such as CaCO3 (found in shells and calcite) and hydroxylapatite (found in vertebrate bones) are often referred to as 'organic' minerals. However, these substances are not organic compounds in the strict chemical sense. Instead, they are examples of compounds that can form both biogenically and abiogenically.
The Dana Classification of Organic Compounds
Organic compounds are further categorized into four subdivisions within the Dana classification system (Dana 8th edition). One of these subdivisions is oxalates, which include more than three minerals recognized by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA). This classification helps in organizing these compounds in a scientifically rigorous manner.
Metals and Metallic Minerals
The term 'metallic minerals' refers to materials that exhibit metallic properties and are typically native elements or alloys. According to the Dana classification, these minerals are classified under Group 1.1 Native elements and Group 1.2 Alloys. The Dana 8th edition table lists numerous metallic minerals, each with unique physical and chemical properties, reflecting the diversity within this group.
Conclusion
In summary, the terms 'organic' and 'metallic' have nuanced definitions that differ between various scientific disciplines. While 'organic' minerals are often related to living organisms, 'metallic' minerals are characterized by their metallic properties and elemental composition. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate scientific communication and classification.