Minerals Flashcards
(33 cards)
What does crystalline solid mean?
Atoms are arranged in a pattern that is repeated over and over again.
What five characteristics must a mineral have to be considered a mineral? Define.
Naturally occurring-formed in the earth (found in nature) not manufactured.
Inorganic-didn’t come from something alive.
Solid-definite shape/volume.
Definitely chemical composition-made of certain elements or compounds.
Orderly arrangement of atoms- regular repeating pattern of atoms.
How many shapes make up the crystal system?
6
What are the two ways a mineral can form?
Through magma cooling and through a solution evaporating
what are the two ways a mineral can form through a solution?
Evaporation, or it there is too much of a substance dissolved in water, ions can come together and form minerals in the solution
How does the quickness of magma cooling affect the size of the crystal?
Magma that cools quickly makes small minerals. Magma that cools slowly makes large crystals.
How can you determine what minerals will form when magma cools?
The type and amount of elements present in magma determine which minerals will form.
How many minerals occur naturally in earths crust?
90
What 3 elements are the most present on earth?
Oxygen, silicon and aluminum
What are silicates?
Minerals made up of Oxygen, silicon and one or more other elements
What is another name for salt?
Halite- has a cubic crystal structure
Name the 5 physical properties used to identify a mineral.
Color- overall appearance
Hardness- measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched
Luster- shininess (metallic-shiny/nonmetallic-dull)
Specific gravity- compares minerals weight with an equal weight of water
Streak- the color of a mineral when in powdered form after being rubbed across a glazed porcelain tile
In what two ways does a mineral break?
Cleavage and fracture
What is cleavage?
When a mineral is broke along a smooth flat surface it has a clean break
What is fracture?
When a mineral is broken across an uneven, rough or jagged surface it has an uneven or jagged break(fracture)
What is lodestone?
Little pieces of magnetite in it making it attracted to magnets.
What are gemstones?
Highly prized minerals, rare and beautiful (difficult to find and expensive)
What element does diamond come from?
Carbon
What are diamonds used for?
Tools (industrial)
What are rubies used for?
To produce some laser lights
What is quartz used for?
To make electronics and time pieces
Most diamonds/gems are _______ which means that humans make them.
Synthetic
What is an ore?
Mineral/rock that contains a useful substance and can be mined at a profit.
What ore does aluminum come from?
Bauxite
