MINERAL VOCABULARY Flashcards
1
Q
Mineral
A
A substance that is formed naturally in the earth, is organic, has a definite chemical composition and has a crystal structure.
2
Q
Streak
A
The color of a mineral’s powder when it is rubbed against a porcelain plate.
3
Q
Inorganic
A
Not derived from living matter
4
Q
Crystal
A
A solid formation that follows a pattern
5
Q
Hardness
A
The ability of a mineral to scratch or be scratched by another mineral
6
Q
Cleavage
A
The tendency of crystal and minerals to break along definite planes resulting in smooth surface
7
Q
Fracture
A
The appearance of a freshly broken surface on a mineral that has a rough or irregular surface
8
Q
Mohs Hardness Scale
A
A hardness scale to classify minerals
9
Q
Formula
A
A set of chemical symbols showing the makeup of a chemical compound
