1. Rocks & Minerals
A Study Guide

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

3. 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.

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

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

6. 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

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

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

9. earth’s solid outer layer
crust
earth’s solid outer layer

10. mantle
earth’s middle layer

11. core
center of the earth

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

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

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

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

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