Rock and Mineral Flashcards
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Minerals
the solid mineral material forming part of the surface of the earth and other similar planets, exposed on the surface or underlying the soil or oceans.
Rock
A substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Element
a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds.
Compound
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern.
Crystal
usually 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but not always reliable
Color
the way in which a mineral reflects light.
Luster
the color of the powder of a mineral
Streak
the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces
Cleavage
the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces
Fracture
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
Density
a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably.
Ore
minerals that contain one or more metallic elements.
Metallic minerals
a special group of chemical elements from which no new product can be generated if they are melted.
Non-metallic minerals
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
Gemstones
