Minerals, Pure Substances, and Mixtures
molecule
The smallest unit of a compound. 2 or more atoms of the same kind or different kinds are bonded together.
mixture
a combination of two or more substances that are combined physically but not chemically.
mineral
a naturally occurring, usually inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure and chemical composition.
crystal
a solid geometric form that results from a repeating pattern of atoms or molecules.
pure substance
a substance that has definite physical and chemical properties.
mixture
a variety of elements and compounds that are not chemically combined with each other.
formation of minerals
as magma and lava cools, by metamorphism, and from solutions.
mixture
can be separated by physical properties.
O is an example
element
gold is an example
element
pure substance
examples are elements, compounds, and molecules.
compound
made up of different kinds of atoms chemically combined. Has different properties from the elements that make them up.
element
made up of one or more of the same kind of atom chemically combined.
H2 is an example
molecule
Si2 is an example
molecule
C02 is an example
molecule and compound
H2O is an example
molecule and compound
silicate
must contain silicon, Si, and oxygen, O
pure substance
must undergo a chemical change to break the bonds.
special properties of minerals
reaction to acid, magnetism, taste, smell
classification of minerals
silicates and nonsilicates
streak
the color of the powdered form of a mineral.
atom
the smallest unit of an element that maintains the elements' properties.
cleavage
the tendency of a mineral to split along specific planes of weakness to form smooth, flat surfaces.
luster
the way a surface reflects light.
fracture
to break unevenly.
