minerals and rocks Flashcards
Mineral
a substance that is formed naturally in the earth, is organic, has definite chemical composition and has a crystal structure.
streak
the color of minerals powder when it is rubbed against a a porcelain,
luster
the way that surface of the mineral reflects light
inorganic
oxygen rules this domain
Crystal
a solid formation that follows a pattern
hardness
the ability of the mineral to scratch or be scratched by another mineral
cleavage
the tendency of crystal and minerals to break along definite planes resulting in smooth surfaces
fracture
the appearance of a freshly broken surface on a mineral that has a rough or irregular surface
formula
a set of chemical symbols showing the makeup of a chemical compound