Chapter 3 Lesson 1 Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and an orderly arrangement of atoms.

Front

How do crystal atoms join together?

Back

Crystal atoms join in a repeating pattern.

Front

Are coral and shells considered minerals?

Back

No, coral and shells are not minerals because they are organic.

Front

Do minerals have an orderly arrangement of atoms?

Back

True, minerals have an orderly arrangement of atoms.

Front

What process do all minerals form through?

Back

All minerals form through crystallization.

Front

What are the two main families of rock-forming minerals?

Back

The two main families of rock-forming minerals are silicates and nonsilicates.

Front

What is crystallization?

Back

Crystallization is the process by which atoms or molecules arrange themselves in a structured pattern to form a solid.

Front

What is the difference between silicates and nonsilicates?

Back

Silicates contain silicon and oxygen, while nonsilicates do not contain silicon.

Front

Can minerals be organic?

Back

No, minerals cannot be organic; they must be inorganic.

Front

What is an example of a silicate mineral?

Back

An example of a silicate mineral is quartz.