rocks and minerals Flashcards
mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structor
rock
a natural occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
element
a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into a simpler substance by chemical means
compound
a substance mde up of atoms of two or more diffrent elements joined by two chemical bonds
crystal
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a define pattern
color
usually 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but generally not reliable
luster
a way in which as 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 tot he volume of the substance
ore
a natural material whose concatenation of economical valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitable
matallic minerals
minerals which contain one or more metallic elements
non- metallic minerals
special group of chemical elements from which no new product can be generated if they are melted.
gemstone
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
igneous rock
having solidified from lava or magma.
sedimentary rock
that has formed from sediment deposited by water or air.
metamorphic rock
denoting or relating to rock that has undergone transformation by heat, pressure, or other natural agencies, e.g. in the folding of strata or the nearby intrusion of igneous rocks.
