Glossary

Question 1

Adamantine

Answer 1

superlative lustre, notably seen in diamonds. Such minerals are transparent or translucent.

Question 2

Atmophile

Answer 2

in Goldschmidt geochemical classification (gas-loving). Extremely volatile meaning they form gases or liquids at the surface of the earth.

Question 3

Botryoidal (reniform)

Answer 3

Mineral has external form composed of many rounded segments (shaped like a bunch of grapes).

Question 4

chalcophile

Answer 4

In Goldschmidt classification meaning ore-loving. Elements concentrated in sulphide minerals deeper that lithophiles but not as deep was sederophiles.

Question 5

cleavage

Answer 5

Planes of weakness in incompetent sedimentary rocks.

Question 6

crystal

Answer 6

a solid with plane faces formed when atoms are arranged in a structurally ordered pattern.

Question 7

Double chain silicate

Answer 7

If two chains are linked together so that each tetrahedral group shares 3 of its oxygens.

Question 8

Fracture

Answer 8

When rocks break in response to stress.

Question 9

Framework silicate

Answer 9

Consist of a three-dimensional polymerised network of silicon or tetrahedra.

Question 10

Goldschmidt classification

Answer 10

Divides elements based on the way they react with other elements.

Question 11

Habit (of a crystal)

Answer 11

The characteristic external shape of an individual crystal or aggregate of crystals.

Question 12

Hardness (of a mineral)

Answer 12

Measure of a minerals relative resistance to scratching, measures by scratching the mineral against other substances of known hardness of the Mohs hardness scale.

Question 13

Hydrological cycle

Answer 13

The sum of all processes in which water moves from the land and ocean surface to the atmosphere and back in form of precipitation.

Question 14

igneous rocks

Answer 14

Those that have cooled from magma.

Question 15

Lithophile

Answer 15

Goldschmidt classification rock-loving, combines with oxygen to form low density compounds so remain near surface.

Question 16

Lustre (of a mineral)

Answer 16

The surface appearance of a mineral as it interacts with light.

Question 17

Metamorphic rocks

Answer 17

started out as some other type of rock but have been substantially changed from their original form. Form when rocks are subjected to high heat, pressure and hot mineral-rich fluids.

Question 18

Meteorite

Answer 18

Rock fragments which fall to earth from space.

Question 19

Mineral

Answer 19

A naturally occurring chemical substance having a definite composition and crystalline structure.

Question 20

Moh’s scale

Answer 20

a non-linear scale which compares the hardness of common minerals.

Question 21

Opaque

Answer 21

No light can pass through the mineral.

Question 22

Sedimentary rocks

Answer 22

rocks formed by accumulation or deposition of mineral or organic particles at earths surface.

Question 23

Sheet silicate

Answer 23

Built up of regular or irregular sequences of tetrahedral layers.

Question 24

siderophile

Answer 24

Goldschmidt’s classification iron-loving combine more easily with iron than oxygen forming denser compounds which descend to lower layers.

Question 25

Silicate

Answer 25

Minerals containing silicon and oxygen in tetrahedral units which are linked together in several patterns.

Question 26

Single chain silicate

Answer 26

Tetrahedra that zig zag back and forth.

Question 27

streak

Answer 27

The colour of a mineral powder.

Question 28

Tetrahedron

Answer 28

A solid contained by four triangular plane faces.

Question 29

translucent

Answer 29

Light can pass through but cannot be clearly seen through.

Question 30

Transparent

Answer 30

Light can pass through, and images can be seen clearly through.

Question 31

Uplift

Answer 31

The return of buried rocks to the earths surface by tectonic forces.

Question 32

Vitreous (lustre)

Answer 32

Minerals that have a lustre like glass.