Minerals
What is a Mineral?
A mineral is inorganic.
Minerals are naturally occurring.
Minerals are solids.
Minerals have a crystal
structure.
Minerals have a definite
chemical composition.
How do we Identify Minerals?
Color
Streak- the color of its powder.
Luster- how it reflects light.
Density- mass/ volume
Hardness- Mohs hardness scale- ranks 10
minerals from softest to hardest. Hardness is
determined by a scratch test.
Crystal structure
Cleavage and fracture- the way a mineral
breaks apart.
How do Minerals Form?
Hot magma cooling inside the Earth.
Lava hardening outside, on the surface
of the Earth.
Elements and compounds dissolving in
water (solution).
Evaporation