rock and mineral vocab Flashcards
Mineral
a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter.
Rock
any aggregate of minerals that makes up part of the earth’s crust
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 jpomed 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 minerals reflect 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
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
Metallic minerals have shiny surfaces, and does not let light pass through them.
Non-metallic minerals
Non-metallic minerals have shiny or dull surfaces, and may or may night let light pass through them.
Gemstones
Highly valued for their beauty and rarity, rather than their usefulness.
