Rocks and Minerals Flashcard

Front

What is a mineral's hardness?

Back

The ability of a mineral to resist being scratched.

Front

What are rocks made of?

Back

Rocks are made of minerals.

Front

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

A tool used to rank the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is a streak in mineralogy?

Back

The color left behind when a mineral is rubbed against a white tile.

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

When a mineral breaks smoothly along a flat surface.

Front

What is a fracture in minerals?

Back

When a mineral breaks along an irregular surface.

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

The way a mineral reflects light.

Front

What is the rock cycle?

Back

The continuous process of rock formation, breakdown, and reformation.

Front

What is the difference between igneous and sedimentary rocks?

Back

Igneous rocks form from cooled magma or lava, while sedimentary rocks form from compressed sediments.

Front

What are the three main types of rocks?

Back

Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.