Mineralogy

Mineralogy

The study of minerals and their physical properties, formation, geographical location, and potential uses.

Minerals

Naturally-occurring, homogeneous solids with a definite, but not fixed, chemical composition and an ordered atomic arrangement.

Crystallography

The study of crystals, including the principles governing their growth, shape, and internal structure.

Crystal

A solid material whose atoms or molecules are arranged in a repeating pattern, often forming a polyhedral shape.

Plane of Symmetry

A mirror plane within a crystal where one side is a mirror image of the other.

Axis of Symmetry

A rotation axis in a crystal where the structure appears unchanged after a specific rotation.

Center of Symmetry

An inversion center in a crystal where each atom has a corresponding mirror image on the opposite side.

Crystal Habit

Geometric appearance of the crystal, which could be acicular, tabular, or striated, which is determined by length, width, and numbers of crystal faces.

Luster

The general appearance of a mineral surface to reflected light

Mohs Scale of Hardness

A scale ranking minerals based on their ability to resist scratching, ranging from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Cleavage

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat, smooth surfaces.

Fracture

The irregular breakage of a mineral, resulting in rough or jagged edges.

Tenacity

The resistance of a mineral to breaking, crushing, or bending.

Magnetism

The property of a mineral that causes it to be attracted to a magnetic field.

Transparency

The ability of a mineral to allow light to pass through it.

Petroleum

A flammable liquid derived from ancient marine organisms, refined into fuels and chemicals.

Coalification

The process of transformation of plant material into coal through burial, pressure, and heat.

Feldspar

A group of aluminosilicate minerals, making up about 60% of the Earth's crust.

Calcite

A common carbonate mineral consisting of calcium carbonate, important in construction and neutralization.

Garnet

A group of minerals used as gemstones, known for their vitreous to resinous luster and variable colors.

Biomineralization

The process by which living organisms facilitate the formation of minerals.

Hydrothermal

The process involving the precipitation from silica-rich water that leads to the formation of minerals like quartz.