Mineral Composition Calculator

Analyze mineral samples using weight, dry, and mole data. Download charts, tables, and summaries instantly. Turn raw assay entries into structured composition insights fast.

This calculator estimates mineral composition from entered masses and molar masses. It reports wet basis percentage, normalized composition, dry basis percentage, moles, mole fraction, mass closure, and residual dry mass. Use it for assay review, blend checks, and rapid chemistry comparisons.

Calculator Input

Mineral Entries

Enter up to six minerals. Molar masses are editable.

Example Data Table

Mineral Mass (g) Molar Mass (g/mol) Normalized % Mole Fraction %
Quartz 42.00 60.08 44.21 68.76
Calcite 18.00 100.09 18.95 17.72
Dolomite 12.00 184.40 12.63 6.40
Gypsum 8.00 172.17 8.42 4.56
Hematite 7.00 159.69 7.37 4.31
Kaolinite 8.00 258.16 8.42 3.05

Example note: If total sample mass is 100 g and moisture is 5%, dry mass becomes 95 g. The entered mineral total also equals 95 g, so closure is 100%.

Formula Used

1. Dry sample mass
Dry Mass = Total Sample Mass × (1 − Moisture ÷ 100)

2. Wet basis percentage
Wet Basis % = (Mineral Mass ÷ Total Sample Mass) × 100

3. Normalized composition
Normalized % = (Mineral Mass ÷ Sum of Entered Mineral Masses) × 100

4. Dry basis percentage
Dry Basis % = (Mineral Mass ÷ Dry Sample Mass) × 100

5. Moles
Moles = Mineral Mass ÷ Molar Mass

6. Mole fraction percentage
Mole Fraction % = (Mineral Moles ÷ Total Moles) × 100

7. Mass closure
Mass Closure % = (Sum of Entered Mineral Masses ÷ Dry Sample Mass) × 100

8. Residual
Residual = Dry Sample Mass − Sum of Entered Mineral Masses

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter a sample name for reference.
  2. Enter the total sample mass in grams.
  3. Enter the moisture percentage for the sample.
  4. Fill in mineral names, masses, and molar masses.
  5. Submit the form to generate composition results.
  6. Review wet basis, dry basis, normalized values, and mole fractions.
  7. Check closure and residual to judge data completeness.
  8. Download the results as CSV or PDF if needed.

FAQs

1. What does normalized composition mean?

Normalized composition rescales entered mineral masses so their total equals 100%. It helps compare samples when totals differ because of moisture, missing phases, or rounding during preparation.

2. Why is dry basis useful in chemistry?

Dry basis removes the effect of moisture. This makes two samples easier to compare and prevents water content from hiding real mineral differences.

3. What is mass closure?

Mass closure compares entered mineral mass with calculated dry sample mass. Values near 100% suggest the input set is internally consistent.

4. Can I change mineral names?

Yes. All six mineral labels are editable. You can replace defaults with any phases, oxides, or assay categories that fit your workflow.

5. Why do I need molar mass?

Molar mass allows the calculator to convert grams into moles. That supports mole fraction analysis, which is often useful for reaction and equilibrium interpretation.

6. What if my closure is above 100%?

A closure above 100% usually means entered component masses exceed the dry sample mass. Recheck moisture, units, duplicate entries, or transcription mistakes.

7. Can this calculator handle missing minerals?

Yes, but the residual value will show how much dry mass remains unassigned. Large residuals suggest the composition list is incomplete.

8. Is this suitable for lab reporting?

It is useful for screening, checking, and quick interpretation. For formal lab reporting, confirm assumptions, molar masses, and input data before publication.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.