Chapter 4- Minerals
What is an ore?
a mineral that contains a useful substance
Specific gravity
the most common measure of density used by geologists
Ore
which contains a useful substance that can be mined at a profit
Dully, silky, waxy, and pearly are descriptive terms that best describe which property of minerals?
Luster
Oxides
are compounds of oxygen and a metal
Carbonates
are minerals composed of one or more metallic elements with the carbonate compound CO3
Gems
are valuable minerals that are prized for their rarity and beauty
Texture
describes how a mineral feels to the touch
What would you use the Mohs scale of hardness for?
identifying a mineral
Which of the following is part of the definition of a mineral?
inorganic
Hardness
is a measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched
Mineral
is a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a specific chemical composition and a definite crystalline structure.
Crystal
is a solid in which the atoms are arranged repeating patterns
Magma
is molten material found beneath Earth's surface
Streak
is the color powdered streak on the surface of the plate
Fracture
minerals that break with rough or jagged edges
Silicates
minerals that contain silicon and oxygen and usually one or more other elements
The streak of which mineral is different from its external color?
pyrite
A student rubs a mineral across an unglazed porcelain plate. What mineral property is the student testing?
streak
Luster
the way that a mineral reflects light from its surface
What property causes the mineral galena to break in to tiny cubes?
the way the atoms are arranged
How many minerals are found in Earth's crust?
3,000 minerals
What mineral fizzes when it comes in contact with hydrochloric acid?
Calcite
A mineral has a mass of 100 g and a volume of 50 cm cubed. What is the density?
2 g/cm3
What element is the most abundant in Earth's crust?
Oxygen
