rock and mineral vocab Flashcards
A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Mineral
A natural substance composed of solid crystals of different minerals that have been fused together into a solid lump.
Rock
A substance that can not 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 not always 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 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 if high enough for the material to be mined profitably.
Ore
Shiny surfaces that don’t let light pass through them and can be processed into metals that are strong and do not rust.
Metallic minerals
Other minerals that are nonmetals that have shiny or dull surfaces, may let light pass through them, and are good insulators of electricity.
Non-metallic minerals
Highly valued for their beauty and rarity rather than for their usefulness. Include: Diamond, ruby, sapphire, emerald, aquamarine, topaz, and tourmaline.
Gemstones
