Mineral Basics
This is the 4 criteria a substance must meet to be considered a mineral.
What are naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, with a crystalline structure and fixed chemical composition?
The way a mineral reflects light is called this.
What is luster?
Igneous rocks form from this molten material.
What is magma (lava at the surface)?
Sedimentary rocks form through weathering, erosion, and this final process.
What is deposition?
Metamorphic rocks form from existing rocks changed by heat and this.
What is pressure?
This organic substance is NOT a mineral because it comes from ancient plants.
What is coal?
If a mineral splits along flat, parallel surfaces, it shows this type of breakage.
What is cleavage?
When magma cools slowly underground, it forms this type of igneous rock.
What is intrusive igneous rock?
When sediments are squeezed together under pressure, it is called this.
What is compaction?
This type of metamorphism happens when magma heats surrounding rock.
What is contact metamorphism?
This naturally occurring volcanic glass is NOT a mineral because it lacks a crystalline structure.
What is obsidian?
The powdered color of a mineral is called this.
What is Streak?
This dark, fine-grained extrusive rock forms from lava.
What is basalt?
Mineral “glue” holding sediments together is called this process.
What is cementation?
This type occurs over large areas due to tectonic pressure.
What is regional metamorphism?
This manufactured metal alloy is not a mineral because it does not occur naturally.
What is brass?
Minerals that bubble with hydrochloric acid show this reaction.
What is effervescence?
Light-colored igneous rocks rich in silicon and aluminum are called this.
What are felsic rocks?
Sedimentary rocks made from once-living material are classified as this texture type.
What is bioclastic?
This foliated rock has a banded appearance.
What is gneiss?
This mineral is the most expensive in the world, valued at around $3 million per carat.
What is jadeite?
This scale ranks minerals from 1-10 based on hardness.
What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?
If lava cools quickly and forms a shiny, glasslike rock with no crystals, it comes this.
What is obsidian?
Fossils are most commonly found in this type of rock.
What are sedimentary rocks?
This non-foliated rock forms from limestone.
What is marble?