What is a mineral easy definition for kids?
Minerals. make up Earth’s rocks, sands, and soils. They are found on Earth’s surface as well as deep underground. Minerals are inorganic substances, meaning that they do not come from an animal or a plant. Mineralogy is the science of minerals.
What is a Pseudomorph in geology?
pseudomorph, mineral formed by chemical or structural change of another substance, though retaining its original external shape.
How do crystals form underground?
In underground cavities, crystals grow through atoms that connect in regular three-dimensional patterns. Each crystal starts small and grows as more atoms are added. Many grow in water that is rich of dissolved minerals. However, this is not a condition, crystals can also grow from molten rock or even fumes.
What is a simple definition of a mineral?
Defining a mineral. A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid, with a definite chemical composition, and an ordered atomic arrangement. This may seem a bit of a mouthful, but if you break it down it becomes simpler. Minerals are naturally occurring.
What are gems made of?
minerals
Most gems form naturally as minerals within the Earth. Most form as crystals, solids whose atoms are arranged in highly ordered repeating patterns called crystal systems.
How does a gem become a jewel?
What is Gemstone Jewelry? Gemstone jewelry is jewelry made with a rock, mineral or petrified substance that is cut and polished to provide a beautiful appearance. It is a gemstone’s beauty that differentiates it from other rocks and makes it desirable to jewelry lovers.
Why do crystals grow?
Crystals grow when the solution becomes supersaturated, meaning that there is too much salt dissolved in the water. The extra salt (or other material) takes the form of crystals. To get a supersaturated solution you can either cool down the solution or let some of the water evaporate.
What is a pseudomorph?
Definition of pseudomorph. 1: a mineral having the characteristic outward form of another species. 2: a deceptive or irregular form.
What is an infiltration pseudomorph?
An infiltration pseudomorph, or substitution pseudomorph is a pseudomorph in which one mineral or other material is replaced by another. The original shape of the mineral remains unchanged, but color, hardness, and other properties change to those of the replacing mineral.
What is a paramorph?
A paramorph (also called allomorph) is a mineral changed on the molecular level only. It has the same chemical composition, but with a different structure. The mineral looks identical to the original unaltered form. This occurs, as an example, in the aragonite to calcite change.