Mineral Review Flashcards
What are the 4 characteristics of all minerals?
Inorganic, solid, natural, and crystal structure (repeating chemical formula)
How are minerals used?
Zinc- used to make Pennies, brass, and nails Gold-used in dentistry,medicine, and art
What are the 2 major mineral groups?
Silicate and non silicate
What is the basis of the 2 major mineral groups?
Silicate- includes Si and O ( silicone and oxygen) Non silicate- do not contain si or o
What’s the difference between qualitative and quantitative observations?
Qualitative: color,shape,size,speed Quantitative: a specific amount, includes numbers
Define luster and give an example of a mineral that has that property
Shine or lack of shine, feldspar
Define hardness and give an example of a mineral that has that property
The ability of a mineral to resist scratching, diamond
Define streak and give an example of a mineral that has that property
True color of mineral powder, streak
Define cleavage and give an example of a mineral that has that property
Ability to break along a flat surface, calcite
Define fracture and give an example of a mineral that has that property
The way a mineral breaks, calcite
Define florescence and give an example of a mineral that has that property
Some minerals that glow under UV light, flourite
Define heft and give an example of a mineral that has that property
Specific density; size doesn’t matter, galena
What are some special properties that can appear in a lab?
Double image- taste Fluorescence- minerals glowing under UV light
What is the Moh’s hardness scale?
Used to determine the hardness of minerals
What is the softest mineral? Hardest?
Softest: talc Hardest: diamond
How do you test for hardness? What objects are used?
By using your fingernail, penny, steel, or glass
How do you identify minerals in a lab?
By using the identification key
What is a gemstone? Give some examples
Minerals that are valued for their beauty rather than their usefulness (garnet)
What is an ore? Give some examples
A mined source from which valuable material is extracted (gold, silver)
Reclamation
Restoring a land
Galena
Hemitie
Pyrite
Olivine
