Rocks and Minerals

Science

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces

Cleavage

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces is called cleavage. Cleavage in science refers to how minerals break along smooth, flat planes where the bonds are weaker.

A solid of ions or atoms arranged in an orderly three-dimensional pattern

Crystal

A solid of ions or atoms arranged in an orderly three-dimensional pattern. Crystal. A crystal is a structure where particles are arranged in a repeating, organized pattern.

Density explained in an easy to understand way.

An irregular break in a mineral

Fracture

An irregular break in a mineral. Fracture. In science, a fracture is when a material, like a rock or bone, breaks or cracks under stress.

A rare, valuable mineral

Gem

A rare, valuable mineral. Gem. A gem is a naturally occurring mineral known for its beauty and durability, often used in jewelry.

Hardness explained in an easy to understand way.

molten rock that reaches the Earth's surface

Lava explained in an easy to understand way.

the way a mineral's surface reflects light

Luster explained in an easy to understand way.

Magma explained in an easy to understand way.

a natural inorganic solid with definite chemical composition and structure

Mineral explained in an easy to understand way.

A rock that contains enough mineral to be mined for profit

Ore

A rock that contains enough mineral to be mined for profit. ore. Ore is a type of rock that contains valuable minerals that can be extracted and sold.

A mineral with silicon, oxygen, and other elements

Silicate

A mineral with silicon, oxygen, and other elements. Silicate. Silicates are minerals made from silicon and oxygen, forming the building blocks of rocks.

a color of a mineral in its powdered form

Streak explained in an easy to understand way.