Minerals

Mineral

naturally occuring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and definite crystalline structure

Crystal

a solid material in which atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern

Luster

the way a light reflects or interacts with the surface of a mineral or crystal

Hardness

measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched, which is determined by the arrangement of atoms

Cleavage

a manner in which a mineral breaks along smooth places where atomic bonding is weak

Fracture

the cracking or breaking of a solid object along curved surfaces without a definate shape. Do not have planes of weakness

Streak

the color of a mineral's powder when it is crushed and rubbed across a hard surface,

Specific Gravity

ratio of the mass of a substance to the mass of an equal volume of water at 4 degrees Celsius

Silicate

a or mineral made of silicone, oxygen and usually one or more elements

Tetrahedron

a geometric solid having four sides that are equilateral triangles

Ore

a mineral or rock that contains valuable substance that can be mined at a profit

Gem

a rare, precious highly prized mintretl that can be cut, polished, and used for jewelry