Rock and Mineral Flashcards
Mineral
a naturally formed inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structure
Rock
a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
Element
a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
Compound
a substance made of of atoms of 2 or more different elements joined by chemical bonds.
Crystal
a solid whose atoms ions or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
Color
the property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way the object reflects or emits light.
Luster
.the way a mineral reflects light
Streak
.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 in a substance to the volume.
Ore
natural mineral whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the mineral to be mined properly,
Metallic Minerals
.shiny surfaces do not let light pass through them and are good conductors
Non-Metallic Minerals
.shiny or dull surfaces may let light pass through them good insulators of electricity
Gemstones
.nonmetallic valued for beauty and rarity are used for rarity than usefulness
