Earth Science: Minerals of the Earth's Crust Flashcards
Mineral
A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Element
A substance that can not be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Compound
A substance made up of atoms of two or different elements joined by chemical bodies.
Crystal
A solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern.
Silicate Mineral
A mineral that contains a combination if silicon, oxygen, and one or two more metals.
Nonsilicate Mineral
A mineral that does not contain compounds of silicon and oxygen.
Luster
The way which a mineral reflects light
Streak
The color of the powder of a mineral
Cleavage
The splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces.
Fracture
The manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces.
Hardness
A measure of the ability of a mineral to resist scratching.
Density
The ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance.
Metallic Minerals
Shiny surface that does not let light pass through
Nonmetallic Minerals
Shiny or dull surface the lets light pass through.
Gemstones
know more to be beautiful than useful.
