Abeka 8th Grade Science, Section 3.1 Review

Name two tests that are used to rate a mineral's hardness.

Mohs test, Brinell hardness test

What is the hardest known naturally occuring substance?

diamond

What term is defined as "a substance that is found naturally in the earth and has a crystalline structure"?

mineral

What is the largest group of minerals?

silicates

List seven characteristics that can be used to identify minerals?

surface color, streak color, luster, hardness, cleavage, specific gravity, acid test result

Define specific gravity.

the number that compares an object's density to the density of water; the ratio of the mass of any volume of a substance to the mass of an equal volume of water

Define crystal.

a geometric structure composed of atoms or molecules and having an orderly arrangement

What is a native element?

a substance that exists naturally in the earth's crust as a single, uncombined element