Describe the silica tetrahedron. The structure of the mineral olivine is described as isolated tetrahedral. What does this mean? Why is color an unreliable property for identifying minerals? What’s the main difference between metallic and nonmetallic luster in minerals? How are cleavage and fracture of minerals different?

The silica tetrahedron is a molecule containing four oxygen atoms and one silicon atom. It resembles a triangular pyramid, with the silicon atom located in the middle and one oxygen atom located at each of the four corners.

Explanation:

The structure of olivine is described as isolated tetrahedral because each tetrahedron is bonded to either a magnesium ion or an iron ion. Although some minerals always appear the same color, many vary in color due to trace elements within the mineral. These trace elements can alter the mineral’s coloring.

Differences between metallic and nonmetallic luster in minerals:-

Metallic minerals are originated from the igneous types of rocks. Non-metallic minerals are originated from the sedimentary rocks. Appearance & touch: Metallic minerals are hard have a shiny appearance of their own. Non-metallic minerals are not as hard as the metallic minerals and have no shine or luster of their own.

Differences between cleavage and fracture of minerals:

The words cleavage and fracture are very common words that we use in many contexts. However, it is while identifying minerals that these words are used together as these are physical attributes of minerals and help in mineral identification as different minerals have different types of fractures and cleavages.

Hope I helped.