Chapter 1 Flashcards
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure
mineral
a substance that can no be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
element
a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
compound
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in definite pattern
crystal
a mineral that contains a combination silicon, oxygen, and one or more metals
silicate mineral
a mineral that does not contain compounds of silicon and oxygen
nonsilicate mineral
the way in which a mineral reflects light
luster
the color of the powder of a mineral
streak
the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces
cleavage
the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces
fracture
a measure of the ability of a mineral to resist scratching
hardness
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
density
a natural mineral whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the mineral to be mined profitably
ore
the process of returning land to its original condition after mining is completed
reclamation
