minerals Flashcards
Mineral
A substance that is formed naturally in the earth, is inorganic, definite chemical composition, and a crystal structure.
Streak
The color of minerals when it is rubbed against a porcelain plate.
Luster
The way the surface of the mineral reflects light.
Inorganic
Not derived from living matter.
Crystal
A solid formation that follows a pattern.
Hardness
The ability of the mineral to be scratched or scratched by another mineral.
Cleavage
The tendencies for crystals or minerals to break along a definite planes resulting in a 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 the chemical compound.
