crystal growth/struc, min, properties

mineral

naturally occuring solid inorganic compund

a naturally occuring substance

formed by a geological process, without human influence

an inorganic substance

material not derived from living organisms

ways a mineral is formed 

solidification, precipitation, solid state diffusion, biomineralization

solid state diffusion

the movement of ions or atoms through a solid mineral without melting 

crystals

a single continuous piece of a crystalline material with naturally formed flat faces

what dictates crystal structure?

spacing of atoms and chemical composition of the mineral

physical properties of minerals 

colour, magnetization, fracture, crystal habit, ect.

special properties of minerals

radioactivity, flourescence, reaction level with acid ect.

mineral property that refers to the colour observed when a mineral is scratched onto slate or pulverized into powder (reliable)

streak colour

mineral property that refers to the way light is reflected from or off of a mineral’s surface. metallic/non-metallic, silky, pearly. visual texture

lustre

mineral property that measures a mineral’s ability to resist scratching. stronger bonds = more of this. 

hardness

scale that measure hardness, ranges from 1(talc)-10(diamond). kg/mm²

mohs scale

mineral property pertaining to the density of a mineral relative to its equal volume of water @ 4degrees C. 

specific gravity

mineral property that describes the shape and texture of a crystal that grows unimpeded. reflects atom arrangement. cubic, bladed, fibrous

crystal habit

mineral property that describes the unique and non-overarching properties of a specific mineral. magnetism, effervescence. 

special mineral properties

cleavage

planes of breakage in a mineral where bonding structure is the weakest

fracture

a type of breakage in which there is no specific plane of weakness the mineral just breaks