Flint Definition – Flint is a sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz, categorized as the variety of chert that occurs in chalk or marly limestone.…
Breccia Rock Definition – Breccia (/ˈbrɛtʃiə/ or /ˈbrɛʃiə/) lithified sedimentary rock consisting of angular or subangular fragments larger than 2 millimeters (0.08 inch). It differs from a…
Gneiss Definition – Gneiss (/ˈnaɪs/) is a globally common type of metamorphic rock that can easily be identified by its alternating layers of minerals known as…
Caliche Definition – Caliche (/kəˈliːtʃiː/) is a shallow layer of soil or sediment in which the particles have been cemented together by the precipitation of mineral…
Obsidian Definition – Obsidian is an igneous rock occurring as a natural glass formed by the rapid cooling of viscous lava from volcanoes. It is produced…
Fluorine: Properties and Occurrences Fluorine (symbol F) is a chemical element that is very poisonous. It is the most reactive element on the Periodic Table. Its atomic number (which…
Oxidizing Agent The oxidizing agent can have two meanings. It is a reactant that removes electrons from other reactants during a redox reaction. It means a reactant…
Acidic Oxides An acidic oxide reacts with water and produces acid. They are also called acid anhydride, which are oxides that react with water to form an…
Gabbro Definition – Gabbro (/ˈɡæbroʊ/) is a phaneritic (coarse-grained), is an intrusive igneous rock that forms from the result of slow cooling of magma inside of…
Margaritasite: Properties and Occurrences Margaritasite is a yellow, cesium-bearing mineral in the carnotite group. Its chemical formula is (Cs, K, H3O)2(UO2)2V2O8·H2O and its crystal system is monoclinic. It was…
Hornfels Rock Definition – Hornfels is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that was formed by the contact between mudstone/shale, or other clay-rich rock, and a hot igneous body,…
Nitric Acid Nitric Acid (HNO3) is a very corrosive and toxic strong acid that can cause severe burns. It is both extremely corrosive and toxic. It is…