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 main properties used to identify minerals?

Back

Color, streak, luster, hardness, cleavage, fracture, and specific gravity.

Front

Why is color not a reliable property for identifying minerals?

Back

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

Front

What type of rock is primarily composed of carbonates?

Back

Sedimentary rocks, such as limestone and dolostone.

Front

What is the process by which minerals form from cooling magma?

Back

Crystallization.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale that ranks minerals based on their hardness from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What mineral can scratch quartz?

Back

Topaz, corundum, and diamond can scratch quartz.

Front

What is the significance of cleavage in minerals?

Back

Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces, which is a key identifying characteristic.

Front

What are silicates?

Back

The largest group of minerals, composed of silicon and oxygen, and often containing other elements.

Front

What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a single substance, while a rock is a solid aggregate of one or more minerals.