science chapter 13 Flashcards
silicate mineral
a mineral that contains a combination of silicon,oxygen,and other elements
crystal
a solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern
element
a substance that cannot 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.
nonsilicate mineral
a mineral that does not contain compounds of of silicon and oxygen
mineral
a naturally formed inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.
Characteristics of a mineral
It is formed in nature, It has a crystalline structure and It is a solid
What are the two major groups of minerals?
silicates and nonsilicates
density
the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance
cleavage
the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces
hardness
a measure of the ability of a mineral to resist scratching
streak
the color of the powder of a mineral
fracture
the breaking of a mineral along either curved or irregular surfaces
luster
the way in which a mineral reflects light
color
the appearance of a mineral that can vary according to the impurities in that mineral as well as other factors.
special properties
characteristics that are particular to only a few types of minerals.
What other factor beside air and water can change the color of a mineral?
impurities
The way a surface reflects light is called
luster
what are three types of mineral luster
matallic, non metallic, sub metallic
Name two minerals with clevage
Mica and Halite
What do scientist use to determine the hardness of minerals?
Mohs hardness scale.
what is the softest mineral on the Mohs scale?
talc
What substance is the usual reference point for the density of other substances?
water
The ratio of an objects density to the density of water is called the objects
specific gravity
