Rocks & Minerals A Study Guide

solid natural object that has never been alive mineral solid natural object that has never been alive

gems, gold & silver Minerals are not evenly distributed around the world. Some have great value because they are rare, hard to find and can be made into beautiful jewelry and other unique items.

solid material made of one or more minerals rock solid material made of one or more minerals

rock that was once melted but has cooled and hardened Igneous rock rock that was once melted but has cooled and hardened

rock that has been changed by heat and pressure over millions of years Metamorphic Rock rock that has been changed by heat and pressure over millions of years

materials that settle into layers and harden Sedimentary rock materials that settle into layers and harden

a process of changing rock types Rock cycle a process of changing rock types

earth’s solid outer layer crust earth’s solid outer layer

mantle earth’s middle layer

core center of the earth

properties The way a mineral is identified, including streak, hardness, color, shape, and texture.

hardness A mineral’s ______ is identified by Moh’s scale. Diamond is hardest at 10, and talc is softest at 1.

streak Color left behind by a mineral when it is rubbed against a rough white tile.

The way a rock or mineral reflects the light. luster The way a rock or mineral reflects the light.

The way a rock or mineral feels. texture The way a rock or mineral feels.