Rock and Minerals Flashcards
Mineral
A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a defined crystalline structure
Element
A substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
computed
A substance is made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
Crystal
A solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
Rock
A naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
color
usually, 1st characteristics noticed about a mineral, but generally not reliable
Luster
the way a mineral reflects light
Streak
the color of the powder of a mineral
Cleavage
the splitting of a mineral along a smooth, flat surface
Fracture
the manner in which a mineral breaks along wither curved or irregular surface
Density
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
Ore
A natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably
Metallic minerals
shiny surfaces and do not let light through them and are good conductors of heat and electricity
Non-metallic minerals
shiny or dull surfaces may let light through them and good insulators of electricity
Gemstones
A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal that, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.
