Minerals Flashcard

Front

What is the role of a streak plate in mineral testing?

Back

To determine the color of a mineral's powder.

Front

What do we call it when a mineral breaks apart in an irregular way with rough or jagged edges?

Back

Fracture.

Front

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

Back

Hardness.

Front

Which mineral is softer than glass?

Back

Calcite.

Front

If a mineral can scratch topaz, what is its hardness range?

Back

8.5 - 10.

Front

What is the definition of 'cleavage' in minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces.

Front

What does 'luster' refer to in mineralogy?

Back

The way a mineral reflects light.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale used to measure the hardness of minerals.

Front

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

Back

Streak is the color of a mineral's powder, while color is the appearance of the mineral itself.

Front

What is a common test to determine a mineral's hardness?

Back

The scratch test, where a mineral is scratched against another mineral.