Geology Basics

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Mineral

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A natural, usually inorganic solid that has a characteristic chemical composition and an orderly internal structure

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Element

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

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Atom

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The smallest unit of an element that maintains the properties of that element

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Compound

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

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Matter

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Anything that has mass and takes up space

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Crystal

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A solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a regular, repeating pattern

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Streak

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The color of a mineral in powdered form

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Luster

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The way in which a mineral reflects light

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Cleavage

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In geology, the tendency of a mineral to split along specific planes of weakness to form smooth, flat surfaces.