are the building blocks of rocks. They are naturally occurring solid substances with a defined chemical composition and crystalline structure.

Form by natural geological processes without human intervention.

are not formed by biological processes.

have definite solid form.

Each mineral has a specific chemical formula.

the atoms in a mineral are arrange in a specific, repeating pattern, which gives the mineral its crystal form.

most obvious property of a mineral, but it can be misleading because impurities can change the color

measured by Mohs Hardness Scale, which compares the resistance of a mineral to scratching.

describes how light reflects off a mineral's surface. Common lusters include metallic, glassy, and pearly.

is the color of a mineral's powder when rubbed against a streak plate. It can be different from the mineral's color.

the tendency of a mineral to break along flat planes of weakness in its crystal structure.

how a mineral breaks along irregular surfaces when it does not have cleavage.

This measures how heavy a mineral feels for its size. Specific gravity compares the density of a mineral to the density of water.

Some minerals, like magnetite, are magnetic and can attract iron filings or a compass needle.

Refers to the overall shape or growth pattern of the mineral.

Refers to the specific elements and their proportions that make up the mineral.

Minerals may react chemically with other substances.

Refers to a mineral's ability to dissolve in a liquid.

Refers to the conditions (temperature, pressure, chemical environment) under which a mineral remains stable. Some minerals may alter or decompose under certain environmental conditions, leading to the formation of new minerals.

-3 dimensions of the mineral have about the same length, like that of a cube or sphere. (Garnet

forms prismatic or prism-like crystals that are thicker than the needle as in a pencil (Indicolite)

looks like a flattened and thin crystal. (Wulfenite)

Often glows in a variety of colors, such as blue, purple, or green, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Has a salty taste, which is one of its identifying characteristics.

Has a very distinctive "rotten egg" smell due to the presence of sulfur compounds

contains calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), oxygen (O), and water (H2O).

(Feb. 12, 1813 - Apr. 14, 1895) was an American geologist, mineralogist, volcanologist, & zoologist.

Method used to categorize minerals based on the chemical composition and structure

Those minerals are naturally occurring in nature in an uncombined form with a distinct mineral structure. It can be classified as metal, semimetals and non metals.

This is the largest group of minerals. It contains silicon and oxygen, with some aluminum, magnesium, iron.and calcium

It in formed from the combination of a metal with oxygen. This group ranges from dull orms like bauxite to gamle rubies and sapphires.

These are made of compounds of sulfur usually with a metal. They tend to be heavy and brittle.

These are made of compounds of sulfur combined with metals and oxygen. It is a large group of minerals that tend to be soft, and translucent.

They form from halogen elements like chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine combined with metallic elements. They are very soft and easily dissolved in water.

These are group of minerals made of carbon, oxygen, and a metallic element.

They are often formed when other minerals are broken down by weathering. They are often brightly colored.

It is the term used for those substances that do not fit neatly into one of the eight classes.