Minerals Flashcards
1
Q
________ are the solid, inorganic substances that the Earth’s crust is made of
A
minerals
2
Q
Minerals are usually c___________ in shape
A
crystalline (like crystals)
3
Q
What are the two ways that minerals typicallly form?
A
- When magma cools
2. When a solution (minerals+liquid) evaporates, leaving just the solid mineral behind
4
Q
What are the characteristics that scientists use to classify minerals?
A
Color, Luster (shine), Cleavage/Fracture (how it breaks), and Hardness (how difficult it is to scratch)
5
Q
What are the three main types of useful minerals?
A
Rare/precious (like diamonds), ores (what we turn into metal), and silicates (like sand/soil)