rock and mineral Flashcards
A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystal line structure
Mineral
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
The quality of an object or substance with respect to light reflected by the object, usually determined visually by measurement of hue, saturation, and brightness of the reflected light
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
Containing valuable metals such as nickel (pentlandite), copper (chalcopyrite), zinc (sphalerite), lead (galena) and gold
Metallic minerals
Do not contain metal elements in their inorganic chemical formula
Non-metallic minerals
A precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
Gemstones
