matter and minerals (3) Flashcards
Mineralogy
The study of minerals
Mineral
A naturally occurring, inorganic crystalline material with a unique chemical structure
Rock
A consolidated mixture of minerals
List five characteristics of a mineral
Naturally Occurring Generally Inorganic Orderly Chrystal Structure Solid Definite Chemical Composition
Based on the definition of a mineral, which of the following- gold, liquid water, synthetic diamonds, ice, and wood- are not classified as minerals?
liquid water
synthetic diamonds
wood
Atom
The smallest particle that exists as an element
Nucleus
The small, heavy core of an atom that contains all of its positive charge and most of its mass
Proton
A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom
Neutrons
A subatomic particle in the nucleus of an atom. The neutron is electrically neutral, with a mass approximately equal to that of a proton
Electrons
A negatively charged subatomic particle that has a negligible mass and is found outside an atom’s nucleus
Valence Electrons
The electrons involved in the bonding process; the electrons occupying the highest principal energy level of an atom
Atomic Number
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom
Element
A substance that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by ordinary chemical or physical means
Periodic Table
An arrangement of the elements in which atomic number increases from the left to right and elements with similar properties appear in columns called families or groups
Chemical Compound
A substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements in definite proportions and usually having properties different from those of its constituent elements
Chemical Bond
A strong attractive force that exists between atoms in a substance. It involves the transfer or sharing of electrons that allows each atom to attain a full valence shell
Octet Rule
A rule which states that atoms combine in order that each may have the electron arrangement of a noble gas (that is, the outer energy level contains eight neutrons)
Ionic Bond
A chemical bond between two oppositely charged ions that is formed by the transfer of valence electrons from one atom to the other
Ion
An atom or a molecule that possesses an electrical charge
Covalent Bond
A chemical bond produced by the sharing of electrons
Metallic Bond
A chemical bond that is present in all metals that may be characterized as an extreme type of electron sharing in which the electrons move freely from atom to atom
How does an atom become a positive ion? A negative ion?
If an electron leaves it becomes positive
If an electron is gained it becomes negative
Describe three ways minerals can form.
Precipitate from solution
Crystalize magma
Organisms
Diagnostic Properties
Properties of minerals that aid in mineral identification. Taste or feel, crystal shape, and streak are examples of diagnostic properties
Ambiguous Properties
Properties of minerals that may vary among different samples of the same mineral, such as color