Gemstone and Metal Flashcard 8

Front

What is the term for how light reflects off of a mineral?

Back

Luster

Front

Are emerald and aquamarine varieties of beryl?

Back

True

Front

What does hardness measure in minerals?

Back

It's a measure of a mineral’s resistance to being scratched.

Front

What is the term for the splitting of a mineral along smooth, flat surfaces?

Back

Cleavage

Front

What is a metal mixture called?

Back

An alloy.

Front

What is the Mohs scale used for?

Back

To measure the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is the difference between luster and color in minerals?

Back

Luster refers to the way light reflects off a mineral's surface, while color is the appearance of the mineral itself.

Front

What is the significance of cleavage in mineral identification?

Back

Cleavage helps in identifying minerals based on how they break along specific planes.

Front

What are the two main types of luster?

Back

Metallic and non-metallic.

Front

What is the definition of an alloy?

Back

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals.