rocks minerals Flashcards
mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structure
rock
s any naturally occurring solid mass or aggregate of minerals or mineraloid matter. It is categorized by the minerals included, its chemical composition and the way in which it is formed. Rocks are usually grouped into three main groups: igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks and sedimentary rocks.
element
component, constituent, ingredient refer to units that are parts of whole or complete substances, systems, compounds, or mixtures. Element denotes a fundamental, ultimate part: the basic elements of matter; resolve the problem into its elements.
compound
a substance that consists of two or more elements in a unique composition. The smallest particle of a compound is called a molecule. Chemical bonds hold together the atoms of molecules. Compounds can form only in chemical reactions, and they can break down only in other chemical reactions.J
crystal
any solid material in which the component atoms are arranged in a definite pattern and whose surface regularity reflects its internal …
color
usually 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but generally not reliable
Luster
a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially that of a partly reflective surface.
streak
the colour of a mineral in its powdered form. … It is usually obtained by rubbing the mineral on a hard, white surface, such as a tile of unglazed porcelain, so as to yield a line, or streak, of fine powder.
cleavage
In developmental biology, cleavage is the division of cells in the early embryo. The process follows fertilisation, with the transfer being triggered by the activation of a cyclin-dependent kinase complex.
Fracture
is any separation in a geologic formation, such as a joint or a fault that divides the rock into two or more pieces. A fracture will sometimes form a deep fissure or crevice in the rock.
Density
mass of a unit volume of a material substance. The formula for density is d = M/V, where d is density, M is mass, and V is volume. Density is commonly expressed in units of grams per cubic centimetre.
Ore
a naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted.
Metallic Minerals
are minerals which contain one or more metallic elements. Metallic minerals occur in rare, naturally formed concentrations known as mineral deposits. … Ontario is a leading producer of metals such as platinum group metals, nickel, cobalt, gold, copper, silver and zinc.
non metallic minerals
are a special group of chemical elements from which no new product can be generated if they are melted. Nonmetallic minerals are, for example, sand, gravel, limestone, clay, and marble. … The nonmetallic minerals industry is best known for the production of cement, ceramics, glass, and lime products.
Gemstones
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
igneous rock
is one of the three main rock types, the others being sedimentary and metamorphic. Igneous rock is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. The magma can be derived from partial melts of existing rocks in either a planet’s mantle or crust.
Sedimentary rock
Sedimentary rocks are types of rock that are formed by the accumulation or deposition of mineral or organic particles at the Earth’s surface, followed by cementation. Sedimentation is the collective name for processes that cause these particles to settle in place.
Metamorphic rock
Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rock types, in a process called metamorphism, which means “change in form”. The original rock is subjected to heat and pressure, causing profound physical or chemical change. The protolith may be a sedimentary, igneous, or existing metamorphic rock.
