Mineral Flashcards
Mineral
A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Element
A substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Compound
A substance made up of atoms of to or more different elements joined by chemical bonds.
Crystal
This is a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern.
Luster
The way in which a mineral reflects light.
Steak
The color of the powder of a mineral.
Fracture
The manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces.
Density
The ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance.
Ore
A natural material whose concentration of economically valuavle minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profatably.
Metallic minerals
Shiny surfaces, don’t let light pass through them.
Non-metallic minerals
They have shiny or dull surfaces. May let light pass through them. They are good insulators.
Gemstones
They are highly valued for their beauty.
igneous rock
Is one of the three main rock types.
Sedimentary rock
Formed form pre-existing rocks or pleces of once-living organisms.
Metamorphic rock
When changes in pressure, temperature or chemical makeup alter a rock
