Minerals

Front

What are minerals?

Back

Naturally occurring inorganic substances with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Front

What are the main types of minerals?

Back

1. Silicates 2. Carbonates 3. Oxides 4. Native Elements

Front

What is the primary characteristic of carbonates?

Back

Carbonates react with acids, producing carbon dioxide gas, which can cause fizzing.

Front

What is a native element?

Back

A mineral that is composed of a single element, such as gold (Au) or copper (Cu).

Front

What is the process of mineral formation from magma?

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Minerals form when magma cools and crystallizes, leading to solid mineral structures.

Front

What is the streak test in mineral identification?

Back

A method to determine the color of a mineral in powdered form by rubbing it on a streak plate.

Front

Why is color not a reliable property for identifying minerals?

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Color can vary due to impurities and environmental factors, making it an unreliable identifier.

Front

What is luster in terms of mineral properties?

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Luster describes how a mineral reflects light, categorized as metallic or non-metallic.

Front

What is the significance of the Mohs scale?

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The Mohs scale ranks minerals based on their hardness, from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What are silicates?

Back

The largest group of minerals, containing silicon and oxygen, often forming tetrahedral structures.