Minerals and Rocks

cementation

The process by which dissolved minerals crystallize and glue particles of sediment together into one mass.

cleavage

A mineral's ability to split easily along flat surfaces.

compaction

the process by which sediments are pressed together under their own weight

crystallization

The process by which atoms are arranged to form a material with a crystal structure

deposition

Process in which sediment is laid down in new locations.

extrusive rock

Igneous rock that forms from lava on Earth's surface

fracture

The way a mineral looks when it breaks apart in an irregular way

granite

A usually light colored igneous rock that is found in continental crust

igneous rock

a type of rock that forms from the cooling of molten rock at or below the surface

inorganic

Not formed from living things or the remains of living things

intrusive rock

Igneous rock that forms when magma hardens beneath Earth's surface.

luster

The way a mineral reflects light

metamorphic rock

A type of rock that forms from an existing rock that is changed by heat, pressure, or chemical reactions.

rock cycle

A series of processes on the surface and inside Earth that slowly changes rocks from one kind to another

weathering

The chemical and physical processes that break down rock and other substances.

crystal

solid in which the atoms are arranged in

an orderly, repeating pattern.

hardness

measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched.

mineral

a non-living material found naturally on earth, with definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

streak

color of a mineral when it is in powdered form.

erosion

the process in which sediment is carried away or moved from one place to another by water, wind, ice, or gravity.

Lava

molten rock that has erupted onto Earth's surface.

Magma

molten rock below Earth's surface.

Metamorphic rock

rock that is formed or changed when existing rocks are exposed to intense heat and pressure

Sediment

parts of rocks, shells, and dead organisms that have been worn down into small pieces

Sedimentary rock

rock that is formed when layers of sediment are deposited, compacted, and cemented over long periods of time

crystalline structure

atoms arranged in a repeating pattern which gives each mineral a specific and different internal structure

rocks

naturally formed solids that are made from one or more types of minerals

Mohs Hardness Scale

a scale from 1-10 that measures the hardness of minerals