Earth Science Flashcard S1 #2

Front

What is the chemical formula for quartz?

Back

The chemical formula for quartz is SiO₂.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a mineral?

Back

Organic is NOT a characteristic of a mineral.

Front

What is the primary mineral component of marble?

Back

The primary mineral component of marble is calcite.

Front

What is the streak of a mineral?

Back

The streak of a mineral is the color of the mineral in powdered form.

Front

What is the primary use of gypsum?

Back

The primary use of gypsum is in plaster and wallboard.

Front

Define a mineral.

Back

A mineral is 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

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

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

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

Front

What is the process of mineral formation called?

Back

The process of mineral formation is called mineralization.

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's luster?

Back

A mineral's luster describes how it reflects light, which can help identify the mineral.