Two students are debating the classification of graphite (chemical formula: C).

Question

Two students are debating the classification of graphite (chemical formula: C). I think that graphite belongs in the "Other" category. It has carbon, but it doesn't have oxygen, so it's not a carbonate. But the word "carbonate" has the word "carbon" in it! I think that if any mineral has carbon in its chemical formula, it must be a carbonate. With which student do you agree? Why? Pencil lead is made of graphite. What about the appearance of graphite indicates that it is in the "Other" mineral group? What is the classification of hematite (Fe_2O_3)? Explain your answer using the key elements in the chemical formula. Muscovite mica (KAl_2AISi_3O_10(OH)_2) has nearly the same chemical formula as biotitic mica (K(Mg, Fe)_3AISi_3O_10(OH)_2). They both form crystals that are platy sheets. Based on their chemical formula, predict how they are different in appearance. The igneous rock gabbros is made up primarily of ferromagnesian silicate minerals. Predict what gabbros looks like. Explain your answer.

Explanation / Answer

Answer for question 2

I do agree with students 1, this is because graphite does not have oxygen in their chemical formula so it is not a carbonate. Carbonate formula example CaCo3.

But I do not agree with student, this is because any mineral has carbon in its chemical composition, It must not be carbonate; example Graphite and Diamond.

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