Earth Science Lesson 1.2

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

Can minerals be man-made?

Back

False

Front

What property of minerals describes how easily something can be scratched?

Back

Hardness

Front

What are the terms that describe the luster of minerals?

Back

Dull, silky, waxy, pearly, earthy.

Front

What is the color of powdered mineral called?

Back

Streak

Front

Which property is the most obvious but least useful when identifying minerals?

Back

Color

Front

What is luster in terms of minerals?

Back

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

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 in an irregular manner.

Front

What is specific gravity in relation to minerals?

Back

Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a mineral to the density of water.

Front

What is the significance of hardness in mineral identification?

Back

Hardness helps to determine a mineral's resistance to scratching, which is crucial for identification.