Rocks and Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is a rock?

Back

A solid material that is made up of one or more minerals.

Front

What are the three main types of rocks?

Back

Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.

Front

How are igneous rocks formed?

Back

By the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).

Front

What are sedimentary rocks?

Back

Rocks formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

Front

What are metamorphic rocks?

Back

Rocks formed by heat and pressure beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale that ranks minerals based on their hardness, from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What does it mean if a mineral can scratch another mineral?

Back

It is harder than the other mineral.

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

The way a mineral reflects light, which can be metallic or non-metallic.

Front

What is streak in mineral identification?

Back

The color of the powder left when a mineral is scratched on a porcelain plate.