rocks Flashcards
mineral
a naturally formed inorgenic solid that has a definite crystaline structure
element
A substance that can not separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
compound
a substance that made up of atoms of two different elements joined by chemical bonds
crystal
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
luster
the way in which a mineral reflects light
streak
The color of the powder of a mineral
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 concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough to be mined profitably.
metallic minerals
Shiny surfaces that don’t let light pass through them.
non metallic minerals
They have shiny or dull surfaces that may let light pass through them. They are good insulators.
gemstones
They are highly valuable for their beauty. Examples are ruby, topaz, and diamon.
igneous rock
One of the three main rock types. It forms from thick layers of sediment that are pressed together
sedimentary
A rock type that is formed from pre-existing rocks or pieces of once-living organisms.
metamorphic
A rock type that changes by the pressure placed on it.
