Question: What is a mineral?

Answer: A naturally occurring solid that can form by inorganic processes, has a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition.

Question: Five characteristics of a mineral

Answer: 1. Naturally occurring

2. Solid

3. Crystal structure

4. Forms by Inorganic processes

5. Define chemical composition

Question: Almost all minerals are substances

Answer: True

Question: What are 3 examples of minerals that are also elements?

Answer: Copper, Silver and Gold

Question: Geologists have identified more than 4,000 minerals

Answer: True

Question: What are the ways in which minerals are identified (know how they are used)

Answer: a. color

b. streak

c. luster

d. hardness

e. density

f. crystal structure

g. cleavage and fracture

h. special properties

Question: Explain what the Mohs Hardness Scale ratings mean?

Answer: Ranks the hardness of minerals on a scale of 1-10

Question: When elements and compounds that are dissolved in water leave a solution, what occurs?

Answer: Crystallization

Question: What is the hardest mineral?

Answer: Diamond

Question: How is Halite formed?

Answer: by evaporization. Halite formed millions of years ago when the ancient seas slowly evaporated.