Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Front

What does 'inorganic' mean?

Back

Inorganic means that the sample was never living at any point in time.

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

Luster is how a mineral reflects light from its surface.

Front

What is the term for the color of a mineral's powder?

Back

Streak.

Front

What is the hardness scale used to measure minerals?

Back

Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What mineral is known as 'fools gold'?

Back

Pyrite.

Front

What mineral is commonly used in pencils?

Back

Graphite.

Front

What is the process of a mineral breaking along flat surfaces called?

Back

Cleavage.

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks in an irregular way?

Back

Fracture.

Front

What is a common test to identify minerals based on their density?

Back

Specific gravity test.