Question

1. list the two most abundant elements in earths crust. what mineral group do these elements form? 3. hypothesize what some environmental consequences of mining ores might be. 4. hypothesize why the mineral opal is often referred to as a mineraloid.

Explanation:

1. Oxygen and silicon are the two most abundant elements in Earth's crust. They form the silicate mineral group as silicon - oxygen tetrahedra are the building blocks of silicate minerals.
2. Mining ores can have several environmental consequences such as deforestation and habitat destruction (to access the ore - bearing areas), soil erosion (due to removal of vegetation and land - disturbing activities), water pollution (from chemical runoff and heavy - metal leaching), and air pollution (from dust and emissions from mining equipment).
3. Opal is often referred to as a mineraloid because it lacks a well - defined, ordered internal crystal structure like true minerals. It is an amorphous or non - crystalline solid with a variable chemical composition and water content.

Answer:

1. The two most abundant elements in Earth's crust are oxygen and silicon. They form the silicate mineral group.
2. Environmental consequences of mining ores might include deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution.
3. The mineral opal is often referred to as a mineraloid because it lacks a well - defined, ordered internal crystal structure and has a variable chemical composition and water content.