Chapter 3 Lesson 1 Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

Do minerals have an orderly arrangement of atoms?

Back

Yes, minerals have an orderly arrangement of atoms.

Front

What are the two main families of rock-forming minerals?

Back

The two main families of rock-forming minerals are silicates and nonsilicates.

Front

What is a silicate?

Back

A silicate is a mineral that contains silicon and oxygen.

Front

How is rock candy made?

Back

Rock candy is made by the crystallization of sugar.

Front

What is the difference between silicates and nonsilicates?

Back

Silicates contain silicon and oxygen, while nonsilicates do not contain silicon.

Front

Can minerals be organic?

Back

No, minerals are inorganic.

Front

What is crystallization?

Back

Crystallization is the process by which a solid forms from a solution or melt, where the atoms or molecules arrange in an orderly pattern.

Front

Are all minerals solid?

Back

Yes, all minerals are solid.

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's crystalline structure?

Back

A mineral's crystalline structure determines its physical properties, such as shape, hardness, and cleavage.