Introduction to Minerals

Front

What is the property of a mineral that describes the way it reflects light?

Back

Luster

Front

Which mineral is known for having a metallic luster?

Back

Pyrite

Front

What is the streak of a mineral?

Back

The color of the mineral in powdered form.

Front

What term describes the resistance of a mineral to being scratched?

Back

Hardness

Front

What does the atomic number of an element represent?

Back

The number of protons in an atom.

Front

What is the definition of a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale that ranks minerals based on their hardness from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

Back

A mineral is a single substance, while a rock is a solid aggregate of one or more minerals.

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks irregularly?

Back

Fracture.