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minerals
crystals
31
Geology
Not Applicable
09/20/2006

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Term
Atom
Definition
The smallest unit of matter that retains the characteristics of an element.
Term
atomic mass number
Definition
The number of protons plus neutrons in the nucleus of an atom
Term
atomic number
Definition
The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom.
Term
Bonding
Definition
The process whereby atoms join to other atoms
Term
carbonate mineral
Definition
A mineral w the carbonate radical (CO3)-2 as in calcite and dolomite
Term
Cleavage
Definition
Breakage along internal planes of weakness in mineral crystals
Term
Covelant bonding
Definition
A chemical bond fromed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
Term
Crystal
Definition
A naturally occuring solid of an element or compound w a specific internal structure that is manifested externally by planar faces, sharp corners, and straight edges.
Term
crystalline solid
Definition
A solid in which the constituent atoms are arranged in a regular 3 dimensional framework
Term
Density
Definition
The mass of an object per unit volume; g/cm3
Term
electron
Definition
A negatively charged particle of very little mass that encircles the nucleus of an atom.
Term
Electron shell
Definition
Electrons orbit an atoms nucleus at specific distances in electron shells
Term
Element
Definition
A substance composed of atoms that all have the same properties. atoms of one element can change to atoms of another element by radioactive decay, but otherwise the cannot be changedby ordinary chemical means.
Term
Ferromagnesian Silicate
Definition
Any silicate mineral that contains iron, magnesium,or both
Term
Hardness
Definition
a term used to express the resistance of a mineral to abrasion.
Term
Ion
Definition
An electrically charged atom produced by adding or removing electrons from the outermost electron shell
Term
ionic bond
Definition
A chemical bond resulting from the attraction bw positively and negatively ions.
Term
luster
Definition
The appereance of a mineralin reflected light. Luster is metallic or non metallic
Term
mineral
Definition
A naturally occurring, inorganic crystalline solid that has characteristics physical properties and a narrowly defined chemical comp
Term
neutron
Definition
An electrically neutral particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
Term
nonferromagnesian silicate
Definition
A silicate mineral that has no iron or magnesium.
Term
Nucleus
Definition
The central part of an atom consisting of protons and neutrons.
Term
proton
Definition
A positively charged particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
Term
Reserve
Definition
The part of the source base that can be extracted economically
Term
Resource
Definition
A concentration of naturally occurring solid, liquid, or gaseous material in or on Earth's crust in such form and amount that ecomonic extraction of a commodity from the concentration is currently or potentially feasible.
Term
Rock
Definition
A solid aggregate of one or more minerals, as in limestone and granite, or a consolidated aggregate of rock fragments, as in conglomerate, or masses of rocklike materials, such as coal and obsidian.
Term
Rock-forming mineral
Definition
Any mineral common in rocks that is important in their identification and classification.
Term
Silica
Definition
A compound of silicon and oxygen.
Term
Silica tetrahedron
Definition
The basic building block of all silicate minerals; consists of one silicon atom and four oxygen atoms.
Term
Silicate
Definition
A mineral that contains silica, such as quartz(SiO2).
Term
Specific gravity
Definition
The ratio of a substance's weight, especially a mineral, to an equal volume of water at 4 degrees C
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