| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Mineral | a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystal line structure |
| Element | a substance that cannot be separated or broken down into simpler substances by chemical means |
| Compoud | a substance made up of atoms of two or more different elements joined by chemical bonds |
| Crystal | a solid whose atoms, ion or molecules are arranged in a definite pattern |
| Silicate Mineral | a mineral that contains a combination of silicon, oxygen, and one or more metals |
| Non Silicate Mineral | a mineral that does not contain compounds of silicon and oxygen |
| Luster | the way in which a mineral reflects light |
| Streak | the color of the powder of a mineral |
| Cleavage | the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces |
| Fracture | the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces |
| Hardness | a measure of the ability of a mineral to resist scratching |
| Density | the ratio of the mass of a substance to the volume of the substance |
| Pegmatites | when magma goes upward forming tear like formations, the mineral inside grow very large and are usually topaz or tourmaline |
| Plutons | when magma rises through the crust and cool slowly forming millions of crystals |
| Ore | a natural material whose concentration of economically valuable minerals is high enough for the material to be mined profitability |
| Reclamation | the process of the returning land to its original condition after mining is complete |
