Minerals Vocab

Front

The atom is a basic unit of matter with a nucleus and a cloud of negatively charged electrons.

Back

atom

Front

Pure substance of one kind of atom

Back

Element

Front

Substance of two or more elements chemically combined

Back

compound

Front

A naturally formed, inorganic solid with a definite crystalline shape.

Back

Mineral

Front

Solid geometric form of a mineral with a repeating pattern of atoms or molecules.

Back

Crystal

Front

Mineral with silicon, oxygen, and metals.

Back

Silicate

Front

Mineral that lacks silicon and oxygen compounds.

Back

non-silicate

Front

Physical property of a mineral that resists scratching

Back

Hardness

Front

Mineral light reflection

Back

Luster

Front

Splitting a mineral into pieces with smooth, flat surfaces.

Back

Cleavage