minerals Flashcards
Mineral
A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure
Rock
A naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
Element
A substance that cannot be separated or broken down
Compound
A substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements
Crystal
A solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
Color
Is often first characteristic noticed, but is not always a reliable way to I.D. a mineral
Luster
The way in which a mineral reflects light
Streak
The color of the powder of a mineral
Cleavage
The splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces
Fracture
The tendency of some minerals to break along either curved or irregular surfaces
Density
The ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
Ore
Ore is natural rock or sediment that contains one or more valuable minerals, typically containing metals, that can be mined, treated and sold at a profit.
Metallic minerals
Metallic minerals are minerals which contain one or more metallic elements.
Non-metallic minerals
Non-metallic mineral reserves consist of stone quarries and clay and sand pits
Gemstones
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
