Native Element
Definition
A mineral that is composed of atoms of a single element, occurring naturally in an uncombined form.
Example
Gold, Silver, Copper, and Diamond (Carbon) are all native elements.
Pure and Uncombined
Most minerals are compounds, meaning they are a chemical combination of two or more elements (like Quartz, which is Silicon + Oxygen). A <strong>Native Element</strong> is a mineral composed of a single element occurring in nature in an uncombined form. These are chemically pure substances.
Categories
- Metals: Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Copper (Cu), Platinum (Pt). These are ductile, malleable, and excellent conductors.
- Semi-Metals: Arsenic, Bismuth. These are often brittle and poor conductors.
- Non-Metals: Sulfur (S), Diamond/Graphite (Carbon). These vary widely in properties. Finding native elements is rare because most elements prefer to bond with oxygen or sulfur.