LESSON 2

It is the property of some minerals to break along parallel repetitive planes of weakness to form smooth, flat surfaces. The way in which a mineral break along smooth flat planes.

It is the ratio of the weight of a mineral to the weight of an equal volume of water.

Some minerals may not have cleavages but exhibit broken surfaces that are irregular and non-planar. When a mineral break irregularly.

It is the color of a mineral in powdered form.

A unique identifying property of certain minerals. Most obvious properties of a mineral.

A measure of the resistance of a mineral (not specifically surface) to abrasion. Ability to resist being scratched.

The quality and intensity of reflected light exhibited by the mineral. How a mineral reflects light (metallic/non-metallic).

It is the natural shape of the mineral before the development of any cleavage or fracture.

Rocks that are derived from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

Rocks from solidified magma underneath the earth.

Rocks from solidified lava at or near the surface of the earth.

These are rocks that are formed at or near the surface of the Earth. Rocks that form the compaction and cementation of sediments.

Formed below the surface of the earth through the process of metamorphism with the recrystallization of minerals in rocks due to changes in pressure and temperature conditions. Rocks that form from exposure to intense heat and/or pressure.

An inorganic, naturally occurring solid that has a definite chemical composition and atomic structure.

Creates non-foliated metamorphic rocks.

Creates foliated metamorphic rocks. Non-foliated rocks like marble also form through regional metamorphism, where pressure is not intense, far from the main geologic event.