Vocabulary
The Earth
Mineral Characteristics
Types of Rocks
Minerals and Gemstones
100
Scientists who study the structure, rocks, and minerals of the earth.
Geologists
100
The thin outer layer of the earth; seems to be made of many pieces called plates.
Crust
100
Refers to how easily a mineral resists scratching; is determined by identifying which substance can scratch the sample.
Hardness
100
Formed from cooled magma or volcanic lava.
Igneous rock
100
An inorganic substance found naturally in the earth.
Mineral
200
Hot melted rock under the surface of the earth.
Magma
200
The middle layer of the earth; makes up most of the earth's mass.
Mantle
200
The color of the mark made when a sample is rubbed on a hard surface.
Streak
200
Formed by heat and pressure deep below the earth's crust.
Metamorphic rock
200
The hardest mineral.
Diamonds (and rubies)
300
Magma that flows out onto the surface of the earth.
Lava
300
The center of the earth; very hot and under extreme pressure.
Core
300
The breaking of a mineral along smooth, straight lines or into flat sheets.
Cleavage
300
Formed when layers of sediment and organic material harden.
Sedimentary rock
300
Some minerals can also be _______.
Metals
400
Small bits of weathered rock.
Sediment
400
Particles in the soil that were once a part of a living thing.
Organic particles
400
The way a mineral reflects the light.
Luster
400
A rock-like substance that forms from decayed plant matter.
Coal
400
Name four uses for minerals.
Added to: -Toothpaste -Fertilizer -Dry wall -Pottery -Electronics -Glass -Food -Drinks -Medicines -Paint
500
The movement of sediment from one place to another.
Erosion
500
How did the Flood affect the earth?
-Caused the entire crust to change as it eroded rocks and mountains and caused many new landforms to form. -Stirred up great amounts of dirt and particles that would settle into layers as the water receded.
500
What is used to determine the hardness of minerals and to rank how hard they are compared to other known minerals?
Mohs scale
500
A hard, natural substance made of one or more minerals that can contain organic materials.
Rock
500
Minerals are usually found on the surface of the earth or buried in the earth's crust or in veins. How could weathering and erosion help people find minerals?
Weathering and erosion remove some of the surface material and expose lower levels of the earth where minerals might be found.
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