Identifying Minerals

Front

What is the hardness scale used to identify minerals?

Back

The hardness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest mineral (diamond).

Front

What property of a mineral describes how it reflects light?

Back

Luster describes how a mineral reflects light.

Front

What is the term for the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces.

Front

What is the definition of a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a fixed chemical formula and a crystalline structure.

Front

Which property of minerals is described by the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is scratched on a porcelain plate?

Back

Streak is the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is scratched.

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 irregular break.

Front

What must be true for a substance to be classified as a mineral?

Back

It must be inorganic, naturally occurring, and have a crystalline structure.

Front

What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale?

Back

Diamond, which is rated as 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Front

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

Back

Luster refers to the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral.

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's streak?

Back

Streak can help identify a mineral because it is often more consistent than the color of the mineral itself.