Section 1: Properties of Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a crystal structure.

Front

What is magnetism in minerals?

Back

A unique property that allows some minerals to attract or repel other materials.

Front

What does luster refer to in minerals?

Back

The way light is reflected from the surface of a mineral.

Front

What is a crystal system?

Back

A classification of crystal structures based on their symmetry and arrangement.

Front

What is the definition of a mineral's streak?

Back

The color of the powder left when a mineral is scraped across a surface.

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's hardness?

Back

It determines how easily a mineral can be scratched, measured on the Mohs scale.

Front

What does it mean for a mineral to have a definite chemical composition?

Back

It means that a mineral has a specific chemical formula that defines its composition.

Front

What is the difference between organic and inorganic minerals?

Back

Organic minerals contain carbon and are derived from living organisms, while inorganic minerals do not.

Front

What is the role of natural processes in mineral formation?

Back

Minerals must be formed through natural geological processes, not man-made.

Front

What is density in relation to minerals?

Back

Density is the mass of a mineral per unit volume, which helps identify minerals.