Minerals

Front

What is Specific Gravity?

Back

Specific Gravity is the density of a mineral compared to the density of water.

Front

What does the term 'streak' refer to in mineralogy?

Back

The color of a mineral's powder when rubbed on a ceramic plate.

Front

What are the requirements for a substance to be classified as a mineral?

Back

Minerals must have a definite chemical composition, a solid crystal structure, be natural (not man-made), and be inorganic (nonliving).

Front

What is the softest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale?

Back

Talc is the softest mineral, rated 1 on the hardness scale.

Front

What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale?

Back

Diamond is the hardest mineral, rated 10 on the hardness scale.

Front

What does the crystal structure of a mineral refer to?

Back

The geometric pattern of the atoms in a mineral.

Front

What is luster in relation to minerals?

Back

Luster describes how a mineral reflects light, indicating its shine or dullness.

Front

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition, while a rock is a solid mass composed of one or more minerals.

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks?

Back

Cleavage refers to the way a mineral breaks along specific planes.

Front

What is the term for the resistance of a mineral to being scratched?

Back

Hardness is the measure of a mineral's resistance to being scratched.