Gemstone and Metal Flashcard 8

Front

What is the term for the color of a mineral in powder form?

Back

Streak

Front

What mineral property describes how a mineral reflects light?

Back

Luster

Front

What is the term for a mineral's ability to resist scratching?

Back

Hardness

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks along flat surfaces?

Back

Cleavage

Front

What is the term for when a mineral breaks in an uneven, rough, or jagged way?

Back

Fracture

Front

Which white-gray metal is more valuable than gold?

Back

Platinum

Front

What is the term for the mass of a mineral divided by its volume?

Back

Density

Front

What property of minerals can be tested using a streak plate?

Back

Streak

Front

What is the Mohs scale used for?

Back

To measure the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency to break along flat surfaces, while fracture is an uneven break.