Minerals 101

Front

What is a mineral that contains silicon (Si) & oxygen (O) and usually one or more other elements called?

Back

Silicate

Front

What do we call something that has been alive and formed from once living things?

Back

Organic

Front

What is the term for the color of a mineral when it is in a powdered form?

Back

Streak

Front

What type of test helps identify if a magnet attracts or repels a mineral?

Back

Magnetism

Front

What is the term for when you scratch one mineral with another mineral or object?

Back

Hardness

Front

What is the definition of a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between organic and inorganic minerals?

Back

Organic minerals are formed from once-living things, while inorganic minerals are not derived from living organisms.

Front

What is the Mohs scale used for?

Back

To measure the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces.

Front

What is the term for the way light reflects off a mineral's surface?

Back

Luster