rock and mineral Flashcards
is a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure
Mineral
a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
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 generally not 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 surface
Fracture
The ratio of the mass of A substance to the volume to the substance
Density
A natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably
Ore
have shiny surfaces do not let light shine threw them and are good conductors of heat and electricity
Metallic minerals
have shiny or dull surfaces may let light pass through them
Non-metallic minerals
are highly valued for their beauty and rarity rather than for their usefulness
Gemstones
