rocks and minerals Flashcards
Mineral
a naturally formed inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure
Element
a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
compound
a substance made up of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
crystal
a solid whose atoms ions or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
rock
a natural mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
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 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 surface
density
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
ore
a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable material
metallic minerals
minerals with shiny face
non metallic minerals
shiny dull surfaces may let light through
gemstones
a mineral crystal in cut an polished form
