Rocks and Minerals

Front

What are the five characteristics that all minerals share?

Back

Definite Chemical Composition, Crystal Structure, Inorganic, Naturally Occurring, and Solid.

Front

What does 'naturally occurring' mean in the context of minerals?

Back

It means that the substance must occur in nature and cannot be created or manufactured by people.

Front

What is the property of a mineral that describes its ability to split evenly along flat surfaces?

Back

Cleavage.

Front

What type of rock is formed from molten rock (magma/lava) that has cooled?

Back

Igneous.

Front

What property of minerals is measured on the Mohs Scale?

Back

Hardness.

Front

What is the definition of a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between igneous and sedimentary rocks?

Back

Igneous rocks are formed from cooled molten rock, while sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation of sediments.

Front

What is the Mohs Scale used for?

Back

It is used to measure the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral reflects light?

Back

Luster.

Front

What is the term for the resistance of a mineral to being scratched?

Back

Hardness.