| A | B |
|---|
| mineral | A mineral is a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure. |
| element | An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into a simpler substance by ordinary chemical means. |
| compound | A compound is a substance made of two or more elements that have been chemically joined or bonded |
| crystal | Solid, geometric forms of minerals produced by a repeating pattern of atoms or molecules that is present throughout the mineral are called crystals |
| silicate mineral | Silicon and oxygen are the two most common elements in the Earth's crust. Minerals that contain a combination of these two elements are called silicate minerals. These minerals make up 90% of the Earth's crust |
| non silicate mineral | Minerals that do not contain silicon and oxygen are non silicate minerals. These make up 10% of the Earth's crust. |
| native element | Minerals that are composed of only one element such as copper, gold, and silver are called native elements. |
| oxides | Oxides are non silicate mineral compounds that form when an element such as aluminum or iron combine with oxygen.An example of an oxide is corundum. |
| carbonates | Carbonates are mineral compounds that contain combinations of carbon and oxygen. An example of a carbonate is calcite. |
| sulfates | Sulfates are non silicate minerals that contain sulfur and oxygen. An example of a sulfate is gypsum |
| halides | Halides are non silicate mineral compounds that form when fluorine, chlorine, iodine, or bromine combine with sodium, potassium or calcium. An example of a halide is fluorite |
| sulfides | Sulfides are non silicate minerals that contain sulfur and oxygen. An example of a sulfate is galena. |
