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Minerals. What is a mineral?. A naturally occurring, inorganic solid, with a definite structure and composition. Naturally occurring. All materials are formed by natural processes. Inorganic Solid. Not alive and are not made by life processes Every mineral has definite shape and volume.
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What is a mineral? • A naturally occurring, inorganic solid, with a definite structure and composition
Naturally occurring • All materials are formed by natural processes
Inorganic Solid • Not alive and are not made by life processes • Every mineral has definite shape and volume
Definite Structure • Atoms in the mineral are arranged in a pattern repeated over and over again
Definite Composition • Every mineral is an element or compound with a chemical composition unique to that mineral
Mineral Formation • Minerals form from the cooling of hot melted rock • The type/amount of elements in the magma determine which mineral it will become.
Mineral Characteristics • Hardness • Luster • Color • Streak • Fracture • Other properties
Hardness • How easily a mineral can be scratched • Rated on a scale of 1 - 10 • Luster • How light is reflected from the surface • Metallic – always shiney • Non-metallic – described as dull, pearly, silky, glassy • Color • Although this is a clue, it is not enough to identify a mineral
Streak • Color of a mineral when it is powdered or broken up • Fracture/cleavage • The way a mineral breaks • Fracture – rough or jagged edges • Cleavage – smooth flat surface • Other properties • Magnetism • Reaction to HCL (hydrochloric acid)