Properties of Minerals

Front

What is the property of a mineral that describes how much it resists scratching?

Back

Hardness

Front

What is a naturally occurring, inorganic, solid with a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition?

Back

Mineral

Front

What term describes the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is scratched on a porcelain plate?

Back

Streak

Front

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

Back

Luster

Front

What is it called when a mineral splits along flat surfaces?

Back

Cleavage

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks when it does not split along flat surfaces?

Back

Fracture

Front

What is the term for the color of a mineral in its powdered form?

Back

Streak

Front

What property of minerals refers to how shiny or dull a mineral appears?

Back

Luster

Front

What is the scale used to measure the hardness of minerals?

Back

Mohs Hardness Scale

Front

What is the term for the arrangement of atoms in a mineral that gives it a specific shape?

Back

Crystal Structure