Rock and Mineral Flashcards
(18 cards)
Mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure
Rock
a naturally occurring sold mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
Element
a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
Compound
a substance made up of atoms of 2 or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
Crystal
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
Color
the color of the whole mineral,
Luster
a way in which a mineral reflects light
Streak
the color of the powder of a mineral
Cleavage
the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces
Fracture
the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces
Density
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
Ore
a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined
Metallic minerals
Minerals with high specific gravity and metallic luster, such as titanium, rutile, tungsten, uranium, tin, lead, iron, etc.
Non-metallic minerals
a special group of chemical elements from which no new product can be generated if they are melted
Gemstones
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
Igneous rock
any of various crystalline or glassy rocks formed by the cooling and solidification of molten earth material
Sedimentary rock
rock that is formed by the accumulation or deposition of small particles and subsequent cementation of mineral or organic particles on the floor of oceans or other bodies of water at the Earth’s surface
Metamorphic rock
rocks that have become changed by intense heat or pressure while forming
