Earth Science – Rocks & Minerals Review

Flashcards covering key concepts related to rocks and minerals, including definitions and examples.

Mineral

Naturally occurring, solid, with a definite crystalline structure, inorganic compounds or elements.

Examples of Minerals

Copper, Iron, Quartz.

Crystal

A solid in which the atoms are arranged in repeating patterns.

Crystal Form

The geometric shape of mineral crystals caused by the symmetrical arrangement of atoms.

Luster

The property that describes how light is reflected on the surface of a mineral.

Hardness

A measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching, measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Cleavage

The property of a mineral that allows it to break smoothly along specific internal planes.

Fracture

The random breaking of a mineral with no smooth planar surfaces.

Streak

The color of a mineral powder, which may differ from the mineral's color in crystal form.

Texture

The size, shape, and arrangement of the grains or crystals in rocks.

Density

The ratio of a mineral's mass to its volume.

Silicates

Mineral group containing Silicon and Oxygen.

Oxides

Mineral group containing Oxygen combined with a metal.

Sulfates

Mineral group containing Sulfur and Oxygen.

Sulfides

Mineral group containing Sulfur combined with a metal.

Carbonates

Mineral group containing Carbon and Oxygen combined with a metal.

Halides

Mineral group containing Halogens (Fluorine, Chlorine).

Ore

Deposit in Earth’s crust of one or more valuable minerals.

Examples of Ores

Hematite (iron ore) and chalcopyrite (copper ore).

Gem

A precious or semiprecious stone.

Examples of Gems

Ruby and diamond.

Mohs Hardness Scale

A scale used to measure a mineral's hardness by scratching it with known objects.

Luster Testing Categories

Metallic, glassy, pearly, and dull.