Rocks and Minerals Flashcards
Cleavage
Cleavage is the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces
Crystal
A Crystal is a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecule are arranged in a definite pattern
Color
Color is usually the first characteristic noticed about a mineral, but generally not reliable when it comes to identification.
Density
Density is the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance.
Element
An element is a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Fracture
Fracture is the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces.
Gemstones
Gemstones are nonmetallic minerals, which are highly valued for their beauty.
Igneous Rock
Igneous rock is formed when magma cools and solidifies.
Luster
Luster is the way in which a mineral reflects light.
Metallic Minerals
Metallic minerals have shiny surfaces, are opaque, and are very good conductors of heat and electricity.
Metamorphic Rock
Metamorphic rocks are rocks in which the structure, texture, or composition have changed.
Mineral
A mineral is a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Non-metallic Minerals
Non-metallic minerals have shiny or dull surfaces, may be translucent, and are good insulators of electricity.
Ore
Ore is a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the mineral to be mined profitably.
Rock
A rock is a naturally occurring solid mixture of one or more minerals or organic matter.
