Minerals are considered the building blocks of rocks.

1. MINERALS

2.  Naturally occurring
 Crystalline structure
 Inorganic
 Chemical composition

3.  is a unique
arrangement
of atoms, ions or mole
cules in a crystalline
liquid or solid. It
describes a highly
ordered structure,
occurring due to the
intrinsic nature of its
constituents to form
symmetric patterns

4.  existing in nature and without
artificial aid

5.  Inorganic
compounds are
traditionally
viewed as being
synthesized by
the agency
of geological
systems

6.  MAGMA
-As the magma moves closer to the Earth's crust
it begins to cool. As it cools the atoms inside
the magma condense, moving closer together
until it solidifies and forms crystals.
Fast Cooling = Small Crystals
Slow Cooling = Large Crystals

7.  EVAPORATION OF WATER
-Some minerals form when water
containing dissolved substances
evaporates. When the water evaporates it
leaves behind the substances that were
dissolved inside it.

8.  Color
 Streak
 Hardness
 Cleavage or Fracture
 Crystalline Structure
 Diaphaneity or Amount of Transparency
 Tenacity
 Magnetism
 Luster
 Odor
 Taste
 Specific Gravity

9. Quartz makes glass. Diamond makes jewelry.
Hematite can be used to make art

10. Quartz makes glass. Diamond makes jewelry.
Hematite can be used to make art