minarals Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is a Mineral
A naturally formed inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Rock
A naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter.
Element
A component or constituent of a whole or one of the parts into which a whole may be resolved by analysis
Compond
Any substance composed of identical molecules consisting of atoms of two or more chemical elements. methane molecule.
Crystal
A solid whose atoms,ions or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern.
Color
Color is often 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
A long, thin line or mark of a different substance or color from its surroundings.
Cleavage
The splitting of a mineral along a smooth flat surface.
Fracture
The tendency of some minerals to break along either curved or irregular surfaces.
Density
The degree of compactness of a substance.
Ore
A natural whose concentration of minerals is high enough for the materials to be mined for a profit.
Metallic minerals
Relating to or resembling metal or metals.
Non-metallic minerals
A chemical element that mostly lacks the characteristics of a metal.
Gemstones
A precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
Igneous rock
A rock having solidified from lava or magma.
Sedimentary rock
A rock that has formed from sediment deposited by water or air.
Metamorphic rock
Denoting or relating to rock that has undergone transformation by heat, pressure, or other natural agencies, e.g. in the folding of strata or the nearby intrusion of igneous rocks.
