Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Front

What does the term 'hardness' refer to in minerals?

Back

The resistance of a mineral to being scratched, measured on the Mohs scale.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale that ranks minerals based on their hardness from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

The way a mineral's surface reflects light, which can be described as metallic or non-metallic.

Front

What is density in the context of minerals?

Back

The mass of a mineral divided by its volume, indicating how compact the mineral is.

Front

What does 'inorganic' mean regarding minerals?

Back

Minerals are not made from living organisms and do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces.

Front

What is fracture in minerals?

Back

The way a mineral breaks when it does not cleave, resulting in uneven or irregular surfaces.

Front

How do minerals form from cooling magma?

Back

As magma cools, minerals crystallize and solidify, forming igneous rocks.

Front

What is the process of evaporation in mineral formation?

Back

Minerals can form when water evaporates, leaving behind dissolved minerals that crystallize.