Super Simple Mineral Projects: Science Activities for Future Mineralogists
SUPER SIMPLE EARTH INVESTIGATIONS SUPER SIMPLE MINERAL PROJECTS Science Activities for Future Mineralogists JESSIE ALKIRE CONSULTING EDITOR DIANE CRAIG M A READING SPECIALIST Super Sandcastle An Imprint of Abdo Publishing abdopublishing com
WHAT IS A MINERAL A mineral is a natural nonliving solid Minerals are made of one or more elements There are several thousand different minerals Minerals have a crystal structure Each mineral has its own properties such as hardness and color These properties help scientists identify minerals They also affect how minerals are used in industries Minerals are all around Salt is a mineral So is the fluorite in your toothpaste QUARTZ 4
SLATE Some minerals such as diamond and gold are valuable People mine for them Rocks are made of minerals Some rocks have one mineral Other rocks have many minerals CLEAVED FLUORITE 5
