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Ch.3 Minerals Vocab
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Minerals | A mineral is a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure. |
Elements | Elements are pure substances that can't be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemicals means. |
Compound | A compound is a substance made of two or more elements that have been chemically joined, or bonded. |
Crystals | A solid whose atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern. |
Silicate minerals | A mineral that contains a combination of silicon, oxygen, and one or more metals. |
Non-silicate mineral | A mineral that does not contain compounds of silicon and oxygen. |
Luster | The way in which a mineral reflects light. |
Streak | The color of the powder of a mineral. |
Cleavage | The spitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces. |
Fracture | The manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved of irregular surfaces. |
Hardness | A measure o the ability of a mineral to resist scratching. |
Density | The ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance. |
Pegmatites | Teardrop- shaped bodies formed from magma as it moves upward. |
Plutons | Magma as it moves upward through the crust and stops before it reaches the top and cools. |
Ore | A natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitably. |
Reclamation | The process of returning land to its original condition after mining is completed. |