8th Grade Rock and Mineral Vocab.

Question 1

a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structure

Answer 1

Mineral

Question 2

a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter

Answer 2

Rock

Question 3

a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means

Answer 3

Element

Question 4

a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds

Answer 4

Compound

Question 5

a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern

Answer 5

Crystal

Question 6

fgh

Answer 6

Color

Question 7

the way in which a mineral reflects light

Answer 7

Luster

Question 8

the color of the powder of a mineral

Answer 8

Streak

Question 9

the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces

Answer 9

Cleavage

Question 10

the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces

Answer 10

Fracture

Question 11

the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance

Answer 11

Density

Question 12

a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably

Answer 12

Ore

Question 13

have shiny surfaces, and do not let light pass through them

Answer 13

Metallic Minerals

Question 14

have shiny or dull surfaces, may let light pass through them

Answer 14

Non-Metallic Minerals

Question 15

are highly valued for their beauty and rarity rather than for their usefulness

Answer 15

Gemstones

Question 16

they are formed by the cooling of molten magma on the earth’s surface

Answer 16

Igneous Rock

Question 17

layered from the earth

Answer 17

Sedimentary Rock

Question 18

a result of a transformation of a pre-existing rock, the original rock is subjected to very high heat and pressure, which cause obvious physical and/or chemical change

Answer 18

Metamorphic Rock