7.ES.1 Minerals Vocab

Question 1

Mineral

Answer 1

A substance that is formed naturally in the Earth, is inorganic, has a definite chemical composition and has a crystal like structure.

Question 2

Streak

Answer 2

The color of a minerals powder when it is rubbed against a porcelain plate.

Question 3

Inorganic

Answer 3

Not derived from living matter. (Not carbon.)

Question 4

Luster

Answer 4

The way the surface of a mineral reflects light.

Question 5

Hardness

Answer 5

The ability of a mineral to scratch or be scratched by another mineral.

Question 6

Cleavage

Answer 6

The tendency of crystals and minerals to break along definite planes resulting in smooth surfaces.

Question 7

Fracture

Answer 7

The appearance of a freshly broken surface on a mineral that has a rough or irregular surface.

Question 8

Crystal

Answer 8

A solid formation that follows a pattern.

Question 9

Mohs hardness scale

Answer 9

A hardness scale used to classify minerals.

Question 10

Formula

Answer 10

A set of chemical symbols showing the makeup of a chemical compound.