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? 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 It takes a long time to form and cannot

be replaced in your lifetime

Conserve Use wisely or avoid wasting Recycle