Minerals Flashcards
Streak
rubbing on unglazed porcelain observed by the color of its powder
luster
how light reflects from surface terms used to describe are metallic, glassy, and dull
Mohs Hardness Scale
the softest mineral is talc and the hardest mineral is diamond
ability to break
splits easily-cleavage and irregular break- fracture
Mohs hardness scale
the softest mineral is talc and the hardest mineral is diamond
what is a mineral?
naturally occurring, inorganic solid that has a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition
what are the 5 characteristics of a mineral
naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, crystal structure, definite chemical composition
list the properties used to identify minerals
streak, luster, crystal system, hardness, ability to break
what is used to rank the hardness of minerals
Mohs hardness scale
what is the hardness mineral on the scale
diamond
what is the softest mineral on the scale
talc
what does it mean that a mineral must be inorganic
not man made
what is a crystal
any solid material in which the component atoms are arranged in a definite pattern and whose surface regularity reflects its internal symmetry
what is a fracture
when a mineral breaks apart in an irregular way
what is cleavage
if a mineral breaks easily along flat surfaces
what is the crystallization process
by which atoms are arranged to form a material with a crystal structure
Identify two ways minerals can form
crystallization of magma and lava
crystallization of materials dissolved in water
what is an ore
a rock that contains a metal or other useful mineral that can be mined and sold for a profit
what is the process that takes the ore and makes the mineral useful
metals
Gemstones:
hard, a colorful mineral that has a brilliant or glassy luster; once cut and polished, it is called a gem
Gem:
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially when cut and polished or engraved
