Rocks vs Minerals Review

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between rocks and minerals?

Back

Rocks are composed of one or more minerals, while minerals are pure substances with a specific chemical formula.

Front

What is an igneous rock?

Back

Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock (magma or lava).

Front

What is sedimentary rock?

Back

Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

Front

What is metamorphic rock?

Back

Metamorphic rock is formed when existing rocks are changed by heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, smooth surfaces.

Front

What is fracture in minerals?

Back

Fracture is the way a mineral breaks when it does not break along cleavage planes, resulting in uneven surfaces.

Front

What are fossils?

Back

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often found in sedimentary rocks.

Front

What is a crystal structure?

Back

A crystal structure is the orderly, repeating arrangement of atoms in a mineral.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

The Mohs scale is a scale used to measure the hardness of minerals, ranging from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).