minerals Flashcards
mineral
a substance that is formed naturally in the earth, is organic, has a definite chemical composition and has a crystal structure
streak
the color of a mineral’s powder when it is rubbed against a porcelain plate
luster
the way a surface of a mineral reflects light
inorganic
not derived from living matter
crystal
a solid formation that follows a pattern
hardnss
the ability of a mineral to scratch or be scratched by another mineral
cleavage
the tendency of crystals and minerals to break along definite plates resulting in a smooth surface
fracture
the appearance of a freshly broken surface on a mineral that has a rough irregular surface
mohs hardness scale
a hardness scale used to classify minerals