Rock & Mineral Flashcards
A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structure.
Mineral
A naturally formed 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 first characteristic noticed 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 is high enough for the material to be mined profitably.
Ore
A rock that is very shiny.
Metallic minerals
A rock that is not shiny and is dull.
Non-metallic minerals
They are highly valuable for their beauty and rarity.
Gemstones
They are formed because of lava cooling.
Igneous rock
A rock classified by the way it forms.
Sedimentary rock
The rock you end up with after tow or more rocks blend together.
Metamorphic rock
