Minerals are natural, nonliving substances that make up rocks. All rocks are different from each other because each of them are made up of different kinds of minerals. Each type of mineral is made up of the same element or combinations of elements. Elements are what make up all matter. Each mineral has its own crystal shape. A mineral’s crystal shape comes from the orderly way in which its atoms are arranged.
Minerals are identified in different types of ways. One property is color, but color alone can’t identify a mineral because different minerals can be the same colors. Another property is by its luster. Luster is how light reflects off the surface of a mineral. Cleavage is the way a mineral splits in half. The last property is streak. Streak is the color of the powder left on the mineral.
Minerals are are used for many things in the world. Quartz is used to make glass products. Toothpaste contains fluoride. Sometimes you may see Diamonds or Rubies in different kinds of jewelry.
Minerals are identified in different types of ways. One property is color, but color alone can’t identify a mineral because different minerals can be the same colors. Another property is by its luster. Luster is how light reflects off the surface of a mineral. Cleavage is the way a mineral splits in half. The last property is streak. Streak is the color of the powder left on the mineral.
Minerals are are used for many things in the world. Quartz is used to make glass products. Toothpaste contains fluoride. Sometimes you may see Diamonds or Rubies in different kinds of jewelry.