Review Questions for Lecture 17: Earth's Crust;
Nesosilicates, Sorosilicates
1. Compare and contrast the three Al-silicate polymorphs in terms
of
structure and P-T space.
2. If all three polymorphs occur together in a rock, what would it
tell you
about the rocks formation?
3. What are the geologic environments, e.g. P, T, or composition, indicated
by:
topaz?
staurolite?
chloritoid?
4. Why is zircon important to geologists?
What does it have in common with monazite?
5. What minerals compose a greenschist? What kind of rock is a greenschist?
6. BONUS: Why is zircon considered a good material for disposal of high level
radioactive waste?