GEOL 1601 : Review For GEOL 1601
Document Summary
A mineral is a naturally occurring compound or chemical element made of atoms arranged in an orderly, repetitive pattern. The atomic arrangement and the chemical composition of a mineral determine its physical properties. Mineraloids are distinguished by their chemical compositions even though their atoms are not arranged in regular patterns (amorphous). The appearance and physical properties are usually sufficient to identify minerals. Physical properties include: color, luster (appearance when light is reflected from the surface of minerals) Non-metallic luster: vitreous (glassy, dull, pearly, greasy, waxy, resinous, hardness (resistance to abrasion or scratching, streak (color of mineral when finally powdered, cleavage and fracture, crystal form. Other properties include the reaction of the mineral with an acid (usually hcl), Magnetism, striations, specific gravity & density, taste, odor, feel, and tenacity. Common minerals found in the earth"s surface are rock-forming, accessory, The rock forming minerals are the most abundant on the earth"s surface.
