Minerals Vocabulary

Front

A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite chemical structure.

Back

mineral

Front

A substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds

Back

compound

Front

A substance that cannot be separated or broken down by chemical means

Back

element

Front

A solid whose molecules are arranged in a definite pattern

Back

crystal

Front

A mineral that contains silicon

Back

   silicate mineral

Front

The way in which a mineral reflects light

Back

luster

Front

The color of the powder of a mineral

Back

streak

Front

The splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces

Back

cleavage

Front

The manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces

Back

fracture

Front

A measure of the ability of a mineral to resist scratching

Back

hardness