what are minerals and rocks

What are the properties

minerals and rocks?

Solid, natural material formed from non-living things in .

Minerals

GoldDiamond Graphite

Minerals are made of:

1 Element (a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances)

or more

Example of elements:Oxygen

GoldIron

In nature

Minerals can be found:

Ex. Iron can be found in a rock called ore.

But:Steel is combination of iron and

carbon (made by people)

So, it is not a mineral

Properties of minerals

1) Streak 2) hardness 3) Luster

1 )StreakColor of the powder left behind when a mineral

is rubbed against a rough surface 

2 )Hardness(Mohs scale)

Copper

Talc Quartz Diamond

3 )Luster(The way the mineral reflects light from its

surface)

Luster can be 2 types.

Metallic luster(Shiny)

Non-Metallic luster(Dull)

Metallic luster(Shiny)

Non-Metallic luster

FractureWhen the mineral has rough surface

Breaks in minerals can also help identify them

CleavageWhen the mineral

has smooth surface

Rocks are put into groups according to how they are formed (made)

Types of rocks

1) Sedimentary

rocks

2) Igneous rocks

3) Metamorphic

rocks

Sedimentary rocks1

- Formed when materials settle into layers.

Example:

Sandstone Limestone

Wind and water break the rocks into small pieces.

Wind and water carries bits of rock and soil away.

Bits of rock and soil settle into layers.

After a long time, layers harden into rocks.

Igneous rocks2

- Formed when rocks melt and then cool.

1) Sedimentary rocks are pushed under the earth crust where heat and pressure turns them to magma.

2) Magma comes out of a volcano and cools to form Igneous rocks.

IfIgneous rocks cool

down quickly

Look like glassExample:Obsidian

Igneous rocks cools down slowly

Has large grainsExample:Granite