minerals Flashcards
Mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a define crystallne sructure
Rock
a naturally occuring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
Element
a substance that cannot be sperated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
Compound
a substance made up of atoms of two or more differant elements joined by chemical bonds
Crystal
a solid whose atoms,icons, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
Color
usaually 1st characstic noticed about a mineral, but gennerally not reliable
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 manner in which breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces
Density
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
Ore
a natural material whose concentration of econmically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably
Metallic Minerals
have a shiny surfaces, do not let light pass through them and are good conductors of heat and electricity
Nonmetallic Minerals
have shiny or dull surfaces, may let light pass through them, and are good insulators of electricity
Gemstone
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry
