MINERAL VOCABULARY Flashcards
1
Q
mineral
A
a substance that is formed naturally in the earth, has a definite chemical composition and has a crystal structure
2
Q
streak
A
the color of a mineral’s powder when it’s rubbed against a porcelain plate
3
Q
luster
A
the way the surface of a mineral reflects light
4
Q
inorganic
A
not derived from living matter
5
Q
crystal
A
a solid formation that follows a pattern
6
Q
hardness
A
the ability of a mineral to scratch or be scratched by another mineral
7
Q
cleavage
A
the tendency of crystals and minerals to break along definite planes resulting in smooth surfaces
8
Q
fracture
A
the appearance of a freshly broken mineral that has a rough or irregular surface
9
Q
mohs hardness scale
A
a hardness scale used to classify minerals
10
Q
formula
A
a set of chemical symbols showing the makeup of a chemical compound
