rocks and minerals Flashcards
mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structor
rock
a natural occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
element
a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into a simpler substance by chemical means
compound
a substance mde up of atoms of two or more diffrent elements joined by two chemical bonds
crystal
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a define pattern
color
usually 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but generally not reliable
luster
a way in which as 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 tot he volume of the substance
ore
a natural material whose concatenation of economical valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitable
matallic minerals
minerals which contain one or more metallic elements
non- metallic minerals
special group of chemical elements from which no new product can be generated if they are melted.
gemstone
a precious or semiprecious stone, especially one cut, polished, and used in a piece of jewelry.
