Mineral Basics
To be a mineral, a substance must be a solid, naturally occurring, have a definite chemical composition, and have this "non-living" characteristic
inorganic
This property is the easiest to observe but the least reliable for identification
color
This environmental consequence of mining involves the wearing away of soil and rock.
erosion
Energy that can be replaced quickly and rarely runs out
renewable
I am found where steady breezes blow on land or over the ocean
wind
example of a metal
iron
This is the color of the powder scraped off a mineral when rubbed against a rough surface
streak
Mining can cause this type of toxic runoff that pollutes water sources.
acid drainage
Energy that cannot be replaced quickly and has a limited amount
nonrenewable
I rely on the sun's radiation to make heat and electricit
solar
example of a non metal
sand, gravel
the ability of a mineral to resist being scratched.
hardness
a major biological consequence of mining that affects plants and animals.
hurt habitats
consistent, reliable source of energy, but it is expensive and produces greenhouse gases.
fossil fuels
I come from heat deep inside the Earth's crust where rocks and water are superheated.
geothermal
Unlike gold or copper, these three materials (sand, salt, and gravel) are categorized as this.
non metal
measures the amount of matter in a given volume.
density
One disadvantage of fossil fuels is that they create this, which can harm the environment and human health
air pollution
three largest sources of energy currently used in the United States
oil, natural gas, and coal
need moving water, but I can hurt river habitats and fish migration
hydropower