Minerals (Rocks, Rock Cycle)First, I will explain about the minerals. Mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with crystal structure and a characteristic chemical composition. Minerals are the building blocks of rocks. Minerals can be identified by their crystal structure, color, streak, luster, density, hardness, fracture, and cleavage. Crystal is a solid in which atoms are arranged in a regular repeating pattern.
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Crystal Structure• Atoms are arranged in a particular geometric shape
• Size can vary |
Color• Identified by the color
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Streak• The color of a mineral's color
• Scraping the mineral on a piece of unglazed porcelain=streak plate |
Luster• The way in which its surface reflects light/how shiny
• Rough, crumbly surface=earthy luster • Silky, pearly, and vitreous (glassy) |
Density• Dependent on the chemical composition
• Higher atomic masses=higher density |
Hardness• The resistance of a mineral to scratching
• Scaled 1 to 10=Mohs hardness scale |
Fracture• How the mineral breaks
• Determined by the crystalline structure of the mineral and the bonds between the atoms in the crystals |
Cleavage• Mineral tends to split along regular, well defined planes
• Flat surface • Where the bonds are the weakest |
Other Properties |
Acid, magnet, electrical properties, refraction
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