Atomic Structure
This particle has a positive charge and is found in the nucleus.
Proton
Electrons are shared in this type of bond.
Covalent bond
Minerals must be this type of solid, meaning not formed by living things.
Inorganic
Minerals can form when this molten material cools underground.
Magma
This property describes how a mineral shines in light.
Luster
The number of these determines the identity of an element.
protons
Electrons are transferred (gained or lost) in this type of bond.
Ionic bond
Minerals must occur this way in nature.
Naturally occurring
Slower cooling of magma produces this crystal size.
Large crystals
This property is the color of a mineral’s powder.
Streak
Mass number minus atomic number gives you this particle.
Neutrons
Electrons are shared in large amounts like a “sea of electrons” in this bond.
Metallic bond
Minerals must have this type of atomic arrangement.
Orderly crystalline structure
Faster cooling produces this crystal size.
Small crystals
This property describes a mineral’s resistance to being scratched.
Hardness
Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons are called this.
Isotopes
Two or more elements chemically combined form this.
Compound
Minerals must have a definite __________.
Chemical composition
Minerals formed by heat and pressure in existing rocks are formed through this process.
Recrystallization and reaction during metamorphism
This property describes breaking along flat surfaces.
Cleavage
An atom that has gained or lost electrons is called this.
Ion
The smallest part of a compound that still has its properties.
Molecule
Name the one physical state a mineral must be in.
Solid
Minerals that form when water with dissolved ions evaporates form by this process.
Evaporation of solutions (evaporites)
This property is least reliable for mineral identification.
Color