Geology 10 – Lecture Two: Rocks and Minerals

Flashcards covering key concepts related to rocks and minerals, including definitions of terms such as elements, atoms, compounds, and minerals.

Element

A fundamental substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances through chemical means. Consists of one type of atom

Atom

A single unit of an element, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.

Isotope

Variants of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Compound

A substance formed when two or more different types of atoms bond together.

Molecule

The smallest single unit of a compound, made up of bonded clusters of atoms.

Organic Molecule

A molecule that contains carbon and is typically produced by living organisms.

Inorganic Molecule

A molecule that does not primarily contain carbon and is not produced by living organisms.

Mineral

A naturally-occurring, solid, inorganic, crystalline substance with a specific, non-varying composition.

Silicates

The most important mineral group in the Earth's crust, which contains silica and other elements.

Crystalline Structure

The ordered arrangement of atoms in a mineral, which determines its properties.