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Ch. 4
Vocabulary
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Mineral | a naturally occurring, inorganic solid, with a specific chemical composition and a definite crystalline structure. |
Crystal | a solid in which the atoms are arranged in repeating pattern. |
Luster | the way that a mineral reflects light from its surface. |
Hardness | a measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched. |
Cleavage | a mineral that splits relatively easily and evenly along one or more flat planes. |
Fracture | minerals that break with rough or jagged edges. |
Streak | the color of a mineral when it is broken up and powdered. |
Specific Gravity | the most common measure of density used by geologists. |
Silicate | minerals that contain silicon and oxygen, and usually one or more other elements. |
Tetrahedron | a geometric solid having four sides that are equilateral triangles, resembling a pyramid. |
Ore | a mineral that contains a valuable substance that can be mined at a profit. |
Gem | valuable minerals that are prized for their rarity and beauty. |