rocks and minerals Flashcards
a natural, usually inorganic solid that has a characteristic chemical composition, an orderly internal structure, and a characteristic set of physical properties
Mineral
a solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
Rock
a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means; all atoms of an element have the same atomic number
Element
a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
Compound
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern
Crystal
the first prperty that people use to adentify a mineral
Color
the way in which a mineral reflects light
Luster
the color of a mineral in powdered form
Streak
the tendency of a mineral to split along specific planes of weakness to form smooth, flat surfaces
Cleavage
a break in a rock, which results from stress, with or without displacement, including cracks, joints, and faults; also the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces
Fracture
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance; commonly expressed as grams per cubic centimeter for solids and liquids and as grams per liter for gases
Density
a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably
Ore
shiny surface’s on a mineral that doesn’t let light go through it
Metallic minerals
dull surface
Non-metallic minerals
a mineral, rock, or organic material that can be used as jewelry or an ornament when it is cut and polished
Gemstones
