Properties of Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition.

Front

What are the five characteristics necessary for a substance to be classified as a mineral?

Back

1. Naturally occurring 2. Inorganic 3. Solid 4. Crystal structure 5. Definite chemical composition.

Front

What does the term 'luster' refer to in minerals?

Back

Luster is the way in which a mineral reflects light.

Front

What is 'streak' in mineralogy?

Back

Streak is the color of the powder left when a mineral is scraped across a surface.

Front

What is 'cleavage' in relation to minerals?

Back

Cleavage is when a mineral splits along flat surfaces.

Front

What is 'fracture' in mineral properties?

Back

Fracture is the way a mineral breaks when it does not break along cleavage planes.

Front

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

The Mohs Hardness Scale is a scale that ranks minerals based on their hardness from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Front

Which mineral is the hardest known on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

Diamond is the hardest known mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Front

What is the difference between 'color' and 'streak' in minerals?

Back

Color is the appearance of the mineral, while streak is the color of the powder it leaves when scratched.

Front

What is an example of a mineral with perfect cleavage?

Back

Mica is an example of a mineral that has perfect cleavage.