the smallest particle of an element that still has the properties of that element and cannot be broken down by chemical means; made of protons, neutrons, and electrons
atom
a combination of one or more atoms
molecule
basic building block that combines to form all other kinds of matter
element
an organized grouping of atoms or molecules
crystal
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure; the building blocks of rocks
mineral
physical characteristics of minerals that are used to classify and identify different minerals
mineral properties
the way in which a mineral reflects light
luster
how easily a mineral scratches materials; the Mohs scale is used to help identifying minerals based on hardness
hardness
the color of the powder form of a mineral
streak
the way in which some minerals will bubble/fizz (effervesce) when an acid is placed on a sample
acid test
the way in which some minerals will glow when placed under ultraviolet light
fluorecence
