Pg one Flashcards
What is a mineral?
A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid, with definite chemical composition and regularly repeating atoms
How many minerals are there?
About 3,800 known minerals
What are minerals made up of?
Minerals are made up of elements
What do geologists and Mineralogist use to identify minerals?
Color, Streak, Hardness, Specific gravity, Special properties, Luster, Cleavage/Fracture, Crystal Structure
What are minerals in their crystal form when they’re cut and polished?
Gemstones
What are gemstones?
Gemstones are any stone that has economic or aesthetic value
Are all gemstones minerals?
No, not all gemstones are minerals.
What can minerals be in their pure form sometimes? What gemstone is popularly used in jewelry?
Gemstones. Diamond is popularly used in jewelry
What is talc used for? Is talc hard or soft?
Talcum powder, it is also the softest mineral. Talcum powder is good for absorbing moisture
What special property does quartz have?
Quartz has a special property called ‘piezoelectricity.’ This means that when quartz is placed under mechanical stress it creates electricity. Quartz happens to do this with unbelievable frequency and accuracy that we’re unable to reproduce. For this reason, quartz is used in clocks, watches, radios, and other technological ways.
What is used as rock salt on highways?
Halite
What is graphite used as?
Pencil “lead”
What is gypsum used as?
Drywall, cement, and plaster of paris
