minerals Flashcards
1
Q
characteristics of a mineral?
A
-naturally occuring
-found in nature
-solid
-inorganic
-definite chemical composition
-regular atomic structure
2
Q
how are minerals formed?
A
-cooling & solidification of magma
-precipitation from water[evaporation]
-temperature change/rearrangement of atoms[heat/pressure
3
Q
what determines the physical properties of a mineral?
A
way in which atoms are arranged
4
Q
how are minerals grouped?
A
according to their chemical compositions
5
Q
what type of minerals are most common?
A
silicates
6
Q
most rock forming minerals are silicates that result in a .. shape
A
tetrahedron[pyramid]
7
Q
what are the mineral tests?
A
-color
-luster
-hardness
-streak
-density
8
Q
what is fracture?
A
uneven break
9
Q
what is cleavage?
A
smooth/parallel surfaces
