Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystal structure.

Front

What does the term 'fracture' refer to in minerals?

Back

Fracture refers to the way a mineral breaks unevenly and unsmoothly.

Front

What is 'cleavage' in the context of minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces.

Front

What is the main characteristic that distinguishes minerals from other substances?

Back

Minerals are naturally occurring.

Front

What is 'fools gold'?

Back

Fools gold is a common name for the mineral pyrite, which resembles gold.

Front

What percentage of known minerals are silicates?

Back

90% of known minerals are silicates.

Front

What is the chemical composition of a mineral?

Back

A mineral has a definite chemical composition, meaning it is made up of specific elements in fixed ratios.

Front

Why is cubic zirconia not considered a mineral?

Back

Cubic zirconia is not naturally occurring, which is a requirement for a substance to be classified as a mineral.

Front

What are the four main characteristics of minerals?

Back

The four main characteristics of minerals are: 1) Naturally occurring, 2) Inorganic, 3) Solid, 4) Definite chemical composition.

Front

What is the difference between 'hardness' and 'cleavage' in minerals?

Back

Hardness refers to a mineral's resistance to scratching, while cleavage refers to how a mineral breaks.