Definitions of Minerals Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Definitions of Minerals Deck (11)
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1
Q

Minerals, simply put, are the…

A

basic building blocks of a lot of Earth materials

2
Q

What are two examples of materials that minerals are the building blocks for?

A

Rocks and soil

3
Q

In order for something to be a mineral it has to meet _____ characteristics, criteria, necessary conditions.

A

5

4
Q

These characteristics, criteria, are…

A
  1. solid
  2. naturally occurring
  3. Has to have a crystal structure
  4. Has to have a specific chemical composition
  5. Formed inorganically
5
Q

Is plastic a mineral?

A

No, because it is man-made

6
Q

Explain what a specific chemical composition means

A

For example, every quartz crystal or molecule is made up of 1 silicon atom bonded to 2 oxygen atoms, so it has a chemical formula of SiO2

7
Q

Are leaves, plants, and bones considered a mineral?

A

No, they are organic

8
Q

Is Ice a mineral?

A

Yes

9
Q

Are bones considered minerals?

A

No

10
Q

Is Coal considered a mineral?

A

No, it is organically formed

11
Q

Is steel considered a mineral?

A

NO it is man-made