rock and mineral Flashcards
naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
Rock
naturally formed inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structure
Mineral
a substance that can’t 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
property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way the object reflects or emits light
Color
the way in which a material reflects in light
Luster
the color of the powder in a mineral
Streak
the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces
Cleavage
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
natural mineral whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably
Ore
minerals with a high specific gravity and metallic luster
Metallic Minerals
lack the properties of the metallic minerals such as a bright metallic luster, hardness, density
Non-Metallic Minerals
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and put in jewelry
Gemstones
