Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What are the two main categories of minerals?

Back

Silicate and Non-silicate minerals.

Front

What does luster refer to in minerals?

Back

Luster describes how light reflects off the surface of a mineral.

Front

What is the Mohs scale used for?

Back

The Mohs scale measures the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale?

Back

Diamond.

Front

What is a non-silicate mineral?

Back

A mineral that does not contain silicon and oxygen in its structure.

Front

What is an example of a silicate mineral?

Back

Quartz.

Front

What does cleavage mean in mineralogy?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces.

Front

What is streak in relation to minerals?

Back

Streak is the color of the powder left when a mineral is scraped across a surface.

Front

What is the significance of mineral hardness?

Back

Hardness helps identify minerals and determines their use in various applications.