rocks and minerals

Question 1

a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure

Answer 1

mineral

Question 2

a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals and organic matter

Answer 2

rock

Question 3

a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means

Answer 3

element

Question 4

a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds

Answer 4

compound

Question 5

a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern

Answer 5

crystal

Question 6

usually the 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but not always reliable

Answer 6

color

Question 7

the way in which a mineral reflects light

Answer 7

luster

Question 8

the color of the powder of a mineral

Answer 8

streak

Question 9

the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces

Answer 9

cleavage

Question 10

the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces

Answer 10

fracture

Question 11

the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance

Answer 11

density

Question 12

a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably

Answer 12

ore

Question 13

have shiny surfaces, do not let light pass through them, and are good conductors of heat and electricity

Answer 13

metallic minerals

Question 14

have shiny or dull surfaces, may let light pass through them, and are good insulators of heat and electricity

Answer 14

non-metallic minerals

Question 15

a precious or semi-precious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelery

Answer 15

gemstones

Question 16

form when magma is trapped deep inside the earth

Answer 16

igneous rock

Question 17

are formed from pre-existing rocks or pieces of once-living organisms

Answer 17

sedimentary rock