Rocks and Minerals Flashcards
Mineral
A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Elements
A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances
Compound
A substance made of two or more elements that have been chemically joined
Crystal
Solid, geometric forms of minerals produced by a repeating pattern of atoms that is present through the mineral called crystals
Luster
The way in which minerals reflect light
Color
Usually not the best way to try to find out a mineral
Steak
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
Metamorphic rock
Calcite, hematite, and graphite
Density
The ratio of the mass of a substance and 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 are good conductors of heat and electricity
Nonmetallic metals
Shiny or dull surfaces and may let light pass through them
Gemstones
Highly valuable nonmetallic minerals
