Mineral Flashcards
a naturally formed,inorganic solid that has a definite crystaline structure.
Mineral
the solid mineral material forming part of the surface of the earth and other similar planets, exposed on the surface or underlying the soil or oceans.
rock
a substance that cannot be seperated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
element
a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
compound
a solid whose atoms, ions or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
crystal
usually 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but not always reliable
color
the way in which a mineral reflects light
luster
a color of the powder of a mineral
streak
the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces
cleavage
the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces
fracture
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
density
a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitable
ore
metallic minerals have shiny surfaces do not let light pass through them, and are good conductors of heat and electricity
metallic minerals
shiny or dull surfces may let light pass throug them
non metallic minerals
highly valued for their beauty and rarity rather than for their usefulness
gemstones
