Rocks & Mineral terms Flashcards
Mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystaline structure
Rock
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 not always 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 surfaces
Hardness
a measure of the ability of a mineral to resist scratching
Density
the ratio of the mass of a substance to 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
they have a shiny surface, do not let light pass through them and are good conductors of heat and electricity
Non-Metallic Minerals
they have shiny or dull surfaces, may let light pass through them and are good insulators of electricity.
Gemstones
they are highly valued for their beauty and rarity rather than for their usefullness.
Igneous Rock
Sedimentary Rock
Metamorphic Rock
