Mineral Definition
This phrase is something that exists on its own in nature and is not "man-made"
What is "naturally occuring"
A part or type of a mineral that is rare and sought after.
What is a gem?
This is typically the most obvious property of minerals but tends to be the least useful when attempting to identify unknown minerals
What is color?
This difference in the identification of pyrite and gold.
What is streak? Pyrite=black/green Gold= yellow
This part of the mineral definition means that it was never living
What is inorganic?
This mineral is commonly added to public water and toothpaste to aide in dental hygiene.
What is flourite?
This test deals with a minerals resistance to being scratched.
What is hardness?
Some minerals have this special property, where they emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolent light.
What is flourescence?
Minerals must be in this common phase state.
What is solid?
Not only is this mineral a popular gemstone, but it is also commonly used in laser cutters.
What is diamond?
This test refers to the colored powder left behind after a mineral is scratched on an unglazed porcelein tile.
What is streak?
Minerals that can be mined for a profit.
What are ores?
Minerals have this, meaning that a sample of halite found in Brazil would be chemically the same as a halite sample from China.
What is defintite chemical composition?
This mineral is a major ingredient in the manufacturing of glass.
What is quartz?
This refers to the way a mineral reflects light. There are two types.
What is metallic and non-metallic luster? What is shiny?
This group of minerals makes up 90% of Earth's crust (the two most common elements in Earth's crust)?
What are silicates? (Silicon and Oxygen)
This mineral contains large quantities of iron and has a reddish-brown streak.
What is hematite?
This mineral is often used to melt frozen precipitation on roads and sidewalks.
What is halite?
These two properties deal with how a mineral breaks. Explain the difference.
What are cleavage and fracture?
These elements make up the Earth's crust and most minerals.
What is oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium?