Mineral Identification

Front

What is hardness in mineral identification?

Back

Hardness is the measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched.

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

What mineral is ranked #1 on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

Talc is ranked #1 on the Mohs Hardness Scale and is commonly used in baby powder.

Front

Can a penny scratch fluorite?

Back

No, a penny cannot scratch fluorite.

Front

What is the hardest naturally occurring mineral?

Back

Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring mineral and is often used in jewelry and on saw blades.

Front

What is the number of the most easily scratched mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

The number is 1.

Front

What is streak in mineral identification?

Back

Streak is the color of the powder left when a mineral is scratched on a porcelain plate.

Front

What is luster in mineral identification?

Back

Luster describes how light reflects off the surface of a mineral, indicating its shine.

Front

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces, while fracture is the way a mineral breaks irregularly.

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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