Rocks and minerals Flashcards
mineral
a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structure
rock
a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter
element
a substance that can’t be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
compound
a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds
crystal
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
color
usually 1st characteristic noticed about a mineral, but generally not reliable
luster
the 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 profitably
metallic minerals
they have shiny or dull surface, doesn’t let light pass through them, and are good conductors of heat
non-metallic minerals
they have shiny or dull surfaces, may let light pass through them, and are good insulators of electricity
gemstones
they are highly valued for their beauty and rarity rather than their usefulness
