1. Minerals

2. What is a Mineral? A mineral is inorganic. Minerals are naturally occurring. Minerals are solids. Minerals have a crystal structure. Minerals have a definite chemical composition.

3. How do we Identify Minerals? Color Streak Luster Density Hardness Crystal structure Cleavage and fracture

4. Streak- the color of its powder.

5. Luster- how it reflects light.

6. Hardness- Mohs hardness scale- ranks 10 minerals from softest to hardest. Hardness is determined by a scratch test.

7. Crystal Structure

8. Cleavage- mineral’s ability to split easily along flat surfaces Fracture- How a mineral looks when it breaks in an irregular way

9. How do Minerals Form? Through crystallization of melted materials Through crystallization of materials dissolved in water

10. Some uses of minerals Foods Medicines Building materials (gypsum) Toothpaste (flourite) Baby powder, gymnastics (talc) Electronics (quartz) Pencils (graphite) …and so much more!!!!