minarals Flashcards
What is a Mineral
A naturally formed inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Rock
A naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter.
Element
A component or constituent of a whole or one of the parts into which a whole may be resolved by analysis
Compond
Any substance composed of identical molecules consisting of atoms of two or more chemical elements. methane molecule.
Crystal
A solid whose atoms,ions or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern.
Color
Color is often 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but generally not reliable.
Luster
A gentle sheen or soft glow, especially that of a partly reflective surface.
Streak
A long, thin line or mark of a different substance or color from its surroundings.
Cleavage
The splitting of a mineral along a smooth flat surface.
Fracture
The tendency of some minerals to break along either curved or irregular surfaces.
Density
The degree of compactness of a substance.
Ore
A natural whose concentration of minerals is high enough for the materials to be mined for a profit.
Metallic minerals
Relating to or resembling metal or metals.
Non-metallic minerals
A chemical element that mostly lacks the characteristics of a metal.
Gemstones
A precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
