Mineral vocabulary words

Question 1

Mineral

Answer 1

A substance that is formed naturally in the Earth, is inorganic, has a definite chemical composition and has a crystal structure.

Question 2

Streak

Answer 2

The color of a mineral’s powder when it is rubbed against a porcelain plate.

Question 3

Luster

Answer 3

The way the surface or a mineral reflects light.

Question 4

Inorganic

Answer 4

Not derived from living matter

Question 5

Crystal

Answer 5

A solid formation that follows a pattern.

Question 6

Hardness

Answer 6

The ability of a mineral to scratch or be scratched by another mineral.

Question 7

Cleavage

Answer 7

The tendency of crystal or minerals to break along definite planes resulting in smooth surface.

Question 8

Fracture

Answer 8

The appearance of a freshly broken surface on a mineral that has a rough or irregular surface.

Question 9

Mohs Hardness Scale

Answer 9

A hardness scale used to classify minerals.

Question 10

Formal

Answer 10

A set of chemicals symbols showing the makeup of a chemical compound.