Minerals
Element or compound found in the earth
Mineral
How a mineral reflects light
Luster
Basic shape that a mineral tends to take
Crystal
What property of gold and copper makes them useful in computer parts?
They conduct electricity well
Name a common mineral
Answers vary, but might include:
- gold - feldspar
- diamond - mica
- quartz - calcite
- carbon - gypsum
What are the different types of luster?
- Metallic
- Nonmetallic (glassy, pearly)
Tendency to break with jagged edges
Fracture
Quartz
How are minerals taken out of the earth?
Mining
The ability of a mineral to resist being scratched
Hardness
Ability to split along flat surfaces
Cleavage
Besides jewelry, name one way diamonds are used.
Drill tips
What are the features of a mineral?
- Solid
- Formed naturally in the earth (not man-made)
- The same chemical makeup throughout
- Not made of living things
- Definite atomic pattern
Color of the mark a mineral makes on a white tile
Streak
Mineral's weight compared to the weight of water.
Specific gravity
Name a mineral used to make gems.
Answers vary, but may include:
- diamond
- ruby
- sapphire
- emerald
How do geologists know where to find minerals deep in the earth?
They look for clues on the surface like kinds of rocks, plants in the area, or trace minerals in rivers.
What is the name of the scale used to determine the hardness of a mineral?
Moh's Scale of Hardness
If a mineral is 10 times heavier than water, what is its specific gravity?
10
Name a mineral that you use and the product or object in which it is found.
Answers vary, but may include:
- graphite (pencil lead) - bauxite (soda cans)
- iron (cars) - salt (food, ice melt)
- quartz (glass)