Inside the Earth
This thin outer layer of the Earth is where we live.
Crust
The way a mineral reflects light from its surface (such as shiny, dull, or metallic) is called this
Luster
The rock family forms when hot magma or lava cools and hardens into solid rock
Igneous Rock
The process of breaking down large rocks into smaller pieces is called
Weathering
Name 2 common items made using minerals found in the Earth
Jewerly
Electronics
Toothpaste
The thick middle layer contains most of the Earth's mass and volume
Mantle
A Scientist tests a mineral's ability to resist being scratched to determine this property
Hardness
Rocks formed from bits of sand, mud, and shells pressed together into layers belong to this group.
Sedimentary Rocks
The movement of broken rock pieces and sediment from one place to another by wind, water, or ice
Erosion
Coal is dark, rock-like substance used for fuel that forms from ancient, decayed plant matter making this type of material
Organic
Located at the very center of the Earth, this layer is made mostly of metal.
Core
The colored powder left behind when a mineral is scraped across a porcelain plate is called its
Streak
Extremely high heat and deep underground pressure transform existing rocks into this rock type.
Metamorphic rock
This rich, dark organic material in topsoil is made from decayed plants and animals
Humus
This type of sedimentary rock, often formed accumulated seashells and corals, is commonly used in building and making cement
Limestone
Melted rock beneath the Earth's surface is called magma, but once it erupts onto the surface, it is called this
Lava
When a mineral breaks smoothly along clean, straight lines of flat sheets, it shows this property
Cleavage
Obsidian, a dark, glass-like rock formed from cooling lava belongs to this main rock category
Igneous Rock
Gemstones like diamonds and rubies are rare, durable, and highly valuable are called
Precious Stones
Deep underground mineral deposits are usually found in these long, narrow channels running through rock layers
Mineral Veins
This term describes any material that was never alive and did not come from a living thing
Inorganic
Scientists use this special ranking scale from 1-10 to measure how hard a mineral is
Mohs Hardness Scale
Slate, which forms when shale is pressed under extreme underground heat and pressure, is this type of rock.
Metamorphic Rock
How can weathering and erosion help miners locate hidden underground mineral deposits?
Stripping away outer rock layers to expose buried minerals
Large amounts of fast-moving water carry sediment and bury organic matter rapidly, creating vast layers of this type of rock
Sedimentary Rocks