Vocabulary
Central region of the atom is called the what?
Nucleus
The chemical bond that forms between positive and negative ions is called a what?
Ionic Bond
What is naturally occurring, inorganic solid with an orderly crystalline structure and a definite chemical composition called?
A mineral
Which of the following properties is generally least useful in identifying minerals? color, cleavage, streak, or hardness
Color
The tendency of minerals to break along smooth flat surfaces is called this.
Cleavage
Atoms containing the same number of protons and a different number of neutrons are called this.
Isotopes
Ionic, covalent, and metallic
Minerals are classified by what?
Composition
The appearance or quality of light reflected from the surface of a mineral is called this.
Luster
What is the uneven breakage of a mineral called?
Fracture
Isotopes of the same element differ in the number of what?
Neutrons
Which subatomic particles are most involved in chemical bonding?
Electrons
A mineral that contains carbon, oxygen, and the metallic element magnesium would be classified as a(n) what?
The resistance of a mineral to being scratched is called this.
Hardness
What determines whether a mineral will show cleavage or break in irregular fractures?
Internal atomic structure
The smallest particle of an element that still retains all the element's properties is a(n) what?
Atom
When two or more elements bond together in definite proportions, they form a(n) what?
Compound
All minerals in the sulfate and sulfide groups contain what element?
Sulfur
The color of the powered form of a mineral is called this.
Streak
What property can be used to distinguish between talc and gypsum?
Talc has a soapy feel
The total number of protons and neutrons of an atom equals what number?
The Mass Number
An atom that loses or gains electrons is called a(n) what?
Ion
What two things determine the properties of a mineral?
Composition and structure
Hardness
Minerals form from bodies of water due to the process of what?
Precipitation