Minerals

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

• element

• atom

• compound

• mineral

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

• mineral

• compound

• atom

• crystal

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

• atom

• mineral

• element

• compound

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

• element

• compound

• mineral

• cleavage

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

• Luster

• Streak

• Fracture

• Cleavage

The way in which a mineral reflects light.

• Matter

• Streak

• Luster

• Mineral

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

• Mineral

• Element

• Compound

• Matter

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

• Atom

• Mineral

• Element

• Compound

The color of a minerals in powdered form.

• Luster

• Cleavage

• Streak

• Crystal

Silicate and Nonsilicate

• Classes of Minerals

• Mineral Lusters

• Cleavage and Fracture

• Mohs Scale