Minerals & Mineral Properties

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is the softest mineral on Moh's Hardness Scale?

Back

Talc, which is also the main ingredient in baby powder.

Front

Why is gneiss considered a rock?

Back

Because it is made of minerals.

Front

What is an element?

Back

A substance composed of a single kind of atom.

Front

What is the name of the scale used to determine a mineral's hardness?

Back

Mohs scale of hardness.

Front

What is the definition of a non-silicate mineral?

Back

Minerals that do not contain silicon and oxygen.

Front

What is the definition of streak in mineralogy?

Back

The color of the powder produced when a mineral is rubbed against a hard surface.

Front

What is the definition of luster in minerals?

Back

The way a mineral reflects light, which can be metallic or non-metallic.

Front

What is the definition of cleavage in minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces.

Front

What is the definition of fracture in minerals?

Back

The way a mineral breaks other than along cleavage planes.