Rock and Minerals Flashcards
Mineral
a naturally formed,inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Rock
A naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter.
Element
a substance that can not be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
Compound
a substance 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
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 in which a mineral reflects light
Streak
the 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 of a substance to the volume of the substance
Ore
a natural material whose centration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably
Metallic minerals
with a high specific gravity
Non-metallic minerals
reserves consist of stone quarries and clay and sand pits;
Gemstones
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry
