Rock and Mineral Flashcards
Mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure
Rock
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.
Element
a substance that not be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
Compound
a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
crystal
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
color
It can be a variety of colors like quartz
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 a mineral 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 economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably
metallic minerals
have shiny surfaces, dont let light pass through, and are good conductors of heat and electricity
non-metallic minerals
have shiny or dull surfaces may let light pass through them, are good insulators of electricity
gemstones
nonmetallic minerals, highly valued for their beauty and rarity rather than for usefulness
