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
Luster
the way the suface of a mineral reflects light
Inorganic
not derived form living matter
Crystal
A solid formation that follows a pattern
Hardness
The ability of a mineral to scratch or be scratched anther mineral
Cleavage
The tendency of crystals and minerals to break along definite planes resulting in smooth surface
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 of chemical symbols showing the makeup of a chemical compound
Streak
the color of mineral’s power when it is rubbed against a porcelain plate