rocks and minerals Flashcards
mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure
Rock
a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
Element
A substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
Compound
A substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
Crystal
A solid whose atoms ions or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
Color
usually 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but generally not reliable
Luster
The way in which a mineral reflects light
Streak
The color of a 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 a mass of a substance to the volume of a substance
ore
A natural mineral whose concentration of EconomicallyValuable minerals is high enough for the minerals to be mined profitable
Metallic minerals
Have shinny surfaces, do not let light pass through
Non-metallic minerals
have shinny or dull surfaces may let light pass through them
Gemstones
non-Metallic minerals used for beauty
Igneous rock
formed when hot, liquid rock colls and solidifies
Sedimentary rock
when rock or minerals, called clasts are cemented together
Metamorphic rock
occurs when temperature and pressure inside the earth’s crust change
