Minerals Vocabulary Practice

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite composition and crystalline structure.

Front

What does the term 'composition' refer to in minerals?

Back

The chemical makeup of a mineral or rock.

Front

What does 'luster' describe in minerals?

Back

How a mineral reflects light.

Front

What does 'cleavage' refer to in minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to split or break to form smooth, flat surfaces.

Front

What is an organic material?

Back

Material that contains molecules of carbon with hydrogen.

Front

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

Back

A mineral is a single substance, while a rock is a combination of one or more minerals.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale that ranks minerals based on their hardness from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Front

What is the definition of 'hardness' in minerals?

Back

The ability of a mineral to resist scratching.

Front

What is 'streak' in mineralogy?

Back

The color of a mineral in powdered form.

Front

What is 'fracture' in minerals?

Back

The way a mineral breaks unevenly, resulting in rough or irregular surfaces.