A mineral is a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.

A mineral is a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystalline structure.

SolidCannot be a liquid or a gas

Naturally OccurringFound in nature, not man-made

InorganicIs not alive and never was, non-living

Fixed compositionHas a chemical formula, most are formed from

compounds of two or more elements, some minerals consist of one element ex. Au

Crystal Structure (Crystalline)A definite structure in which atoms are arranged

Is it non-living material?Is it a solid?Is it formed in nature?Does it have a crystalline structure?

Wood

Gold

Fossil

Topaz

Bones

Granite

Quartz

Pearls

Talc

Icebergs

Diamond

Coal

Rock Salt

Minerals

a) Goldb) Topazc) Quartzd) Talce) Iceberg*f) Diamonds

Non-Minerals

a) Wood - once livingb) Fossils – once livingc) Bone - living materiald) Granite - intrusive igneous

rock e) Pearls – made by oystersf) Coal - Sedimentary rockg) Rock Salt – Sedimentary rock

According to IMA – ice is listed as a mineral

Color: Physical Property that can be observed without

doing anythingStreak:

Color of the powder it leaves when you rub it along a surface

Luster: How it shines; how it reflects light

Cleavage and Fracture:The way a mineral breaksCleavage: Mineral splits easily with a flat

surfaceFracture: Minerals that break apart in an

irregular way

Special Properties:GlowsMagnifiesMagneticReactive

Density: Mass in a given space; mass per volume

Hardness: Mohs hardness scaleScratch test: Minerals can only scratch those

minerals softer than it is

Crystal Systems: Number and angle of Crystal faces6 crystal systems