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