A | B |
cleavage | splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces |
crystal | natural solid substance that has a definite internal pattern |
density | ratio of the mass of a substance to its volume, expressed as g/cm^3 |
double refraction | property exhibited by transparent minerals that produce a double image of any object viewed through them |
flourescence | ability to glow under ultraviolet light |
hardness | measure of the ability of a mineral to resist scratching |
inorganic | not made up of living organisms or the remains of living organisms |
luster | light reflected from the surface of a mineral |
mineralogist | scientist who specializes in the study of minerals |
mineralogist | natural, inorganic, crystalline solid that has a characteristic chemical composition |
Mohs hardness scale | standard against which the hardness of a mineral is tested |
nonsilicate mineral | mineral that does not contain silicon |
phosphorescence | ability to glow during and after exposure to ultraviolet light |
refraction | bending of a light ray as it passes from one substance to another |
rock-forming mineral | any common mineral that forms the rocks of the earth's crust |
silicate mineral | mineral that contains atoms of silicon and oxygen |
silicon-oxygen tetrahedron | four oxygen atoms arranged in a pyramid with one silicon atom in the center |
streak | color of a mineral in powder form |