MINERAL VOCABULARY Flashcards
Mineral
A substance that is formed naturally in the earth, is inorganic, has a definite chemical composition, and has a crystal structure.
Streak
The color of a mineral’s powder when it is rubbed against a porcelain plate.
Luster
The way the surface of mineral reflects light
Inorganic
Not derived from living matter
Crystal
A solid formation that follows a pattern
Hardness
The ability of a mineral to scratch or be scratched by a mineral
Cleavage
The tendency of crystal and minerals to break along the definite planes resulting in smooth surfaces
Fracture
The appearance of a freshly broken surface on a mineral that has a rough or irregular surface.
Mohs Hardness Scale
A hardness scale used to classify minerals
formula
a set if chemical symbols showing the makeup of a chemical compound.