Minerals - An Introduction

Front

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture?

Back

Cleavage is an even break, while fracture is an uneven break.

Front

What does it mean for a mineral to be inorganic?

Back

It means that the mineral was never part of anything living.

Front

What term describes how a mineral splits apart when it does not break evenly?

Back

Fracture.

Front

What property of minerals is described by terms like dull, silky, waxy, pearly, and earthy?

Back

Luster.

Front

Which mineral can scratch fluorite according to the Mohs scale?

Back

Apatite.

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 the Mohs scale used for?

Back

To measure the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

Back

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

Front

What is the term for the way light reflects off a mineral's surface?

Back

Luster.

Front

What is the definition of streak in mineralogy?

Back

The color of the powder left when a mineral is scraped across a surface.