Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What are the main characteristics of minerals?

Back

1. Crystalline structure 2. Formed by inorganic processes 3. Definite chemical composition 4. Solid state

Front

Which state of matter is NOT a characteristic of minerals?

Back

Either a liquid or gas.

Front

What is the special property that applies to only a few minerals?

Back

Magnetism.

Front

How do minerals break along flat surfaces?

Back

Cleavage.

Front

What is the term for when a mineral breaks unevenly or jaggedly?

Back

Fracture.

Front

What is the recipe for creating diamonds?

Back

Carbon, Heat, and Pressure.

Front

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

Back

Luster.

Front

What is the term for the color of a mineral's powder?

Back

Streak.

Front

What property measures a mineral's resistance to scratching?

Back

Hardness.