Minerals

What are Minerals? Solid materials of Earth’s crust Can be made of 1 element or chemical compounds (2 or more elements chemically combined) No 2 are exactly alike

Properties of Minerals Color the color of a fresh surface Luster The way light bounces off a mineral Metallic vs. nonmetallic

Properties of Minerals Streak Color of the powder left when a minerals is rubbed against a hard surface Hardness How well a mineral resists scratching

Properties of Minerals Cleavage The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces Magnetic Attracted by a magnet Density The amount of mass in a given volume

How Do Minerals Form? Where are they found? How are they formed? In the ground How are they formed? Magma cools and hardens into a solid They connect in a pattern forming crystals Heat and pressure form them deep in Earth Crystals can form from the cooling of hot water Ocean water evaporates to form minerals

What Are Minerals Used For? Minerals combine to form almost everything around you. Ore A mineral that contains a useful substance Metals come from ores Gem Minerals that are valued for being rare and beautiful

What Are Minerals Used For? Nails Buildings Ships Foil Cans Pie Tins Wire Jets Spacecraft Jewelry Salt Teeth fillings Powder Toothpaste China Dishes Cars Newspaper Makeup And Much More!

Why Does It Matter? Nonrenewable resources Conserve It takes a long time to form and cannot be replaced in your lifetime Conserve Use wisely or avoid wasting Recycle