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 a 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 another mineral
Cleavage
the tendency of crystals and minerals to break along definite planes rustling in smooth surfaces
Fracture
The appearance of a freshly broken surface on a that has a rough or irregular surface
mohs hardness Scale
A hardness scale used to
classify minerals
Formula
A set of chemical symbols showing the make up of a chemical compound
