Lecture 2 Flashcards
Define mineral
Naturally occurring, inorganic, crystalline solid, with a definite, bit sometimes variable, chemical composition.
Can the chemical composition of a mineral vary?
Yes, within a restricted range.
What is the smallest component of nature within the properties of a given substance?
Atom
What are the 3 types of bonds?
Ionic, covalent, metallic
What does atomic structure determine?
What element it is, the type of ion, and what bonds can form.
Define an element.
A substance made entirely from one type of atom.
How many elements are there?
118
What charge is needed to crystallize?
Neutral charge.
What are 7 mineral properties?
Hardness, cleavage, lustre, streak, density, crystal form and habit, colour.
What is cleavage?
The ability of a mineral to break in a reproducible way leaving a flat smooth surface.
What is fracture?
Uneven breakage.
What is hardness?
How easily a mineral can be scratched.
What is lustre?
The interaction between light waves and the electrons in the crystal structure.
Colour?
Result of wavelengths that are absorbed or reflected due to crystal structure.
Streak?
Colour of powdered mineral on porcelain plate.
