Mineral Vocabulary Flashcards
1
Q
Mineral
A substance that is formed naturally in the Earth. Is inorganic, has a definite chemical composition and has a crystals and has a crystals structure.
A
Streak
The color of a mineral powder when it is rubbed against a porcelain plate.
2
Q
Inorganic
Not derived from living matter.
A
Crystal
A solid formation that follows a pattern.
3
Q
Hardness
The ability of a mineral to scratch or be scratched by another mineral.
A
Cleavage
The tendency of crystals and minerals to break along definit planes resulting in smooth surfaces.
4
Q
Fracture
The appearance of freshly broken surface on a mineral that has a rough or irregular surface.
A
Mohs Hardness Scale
A hardness scale used to classify minerals.
5
Q
Formula
A set of chemical symbols showing the make of a chemical compound.
A
