Rocks and Minerals

A naturally occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical composition and characteristic crystalline structure, color, and hardness.

a structure composed of four oxygen atoms surrounding a silicon atom, which constitutes the basic building block of silicate minerals

(O2)-Contain Oxygen bonded to element other than Silicon - hematite, rutile

(S) Contain one or more elements combined with sulfur. - pyrite and galena

the color of a mineral in powdered form

the appearance or quality of light reflected from the surface of a mineral

the external appearance of a mineral as determined by its internal arrangement of atoms

the resistance a mineral offers to scratching

a series of 10 minerals used as a standard in determining hardness

the tendency of a mineral to break along planes of weak bonding

any break or rupture in rock along which no appreciable movement has taken place

mass per volume of a substance, usually expressed as grams per cubic centimeter

A rock is composed of more than one mineral. It can originate (form) from molten material, sediments or be a preexisting rock that was changed as a result of heat and pressure.

a rock formed by the crystallization of molten magma (intrusive) or from lava (extrusive)

rock formed from the weathered products of preexisting rocks (could be formed from igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic) that have been transported, deposited, compacted, and cemented.