Earth Science Flashcard S1 #2

Front

What is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust?

Back

Silicon

Front

Which mineral is known for its property of double refraction?

Back

Calcite

Front

What is the primary use of gypsum?

Back

Plaster and wallboard

Front

What is the chemical formula for quartz?

Back

SiO2

Front

Which mineral is typically formed from evaporating seawater?

Back

Halite

Front

Define the term 'mineral'.

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Back

Rocks are composed of one or more minerals, while minerals are individual substances.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

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

Front

What is the process of sedimentation?

Back

The process by which sediments settle out of a fluid, typically water, and accumulate.

Front

Explain the rock cycle.

Back

The continuous process of rock formation and transformation through igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic stages.