Properties of Minerals & Light

Front

What is a fracture in minerals?

Back

Fracture describes how a mineral looks when it breaks apart in an irregular way.

Front

What does it mean if a material is transparent?

Back

When all light is able to pass through, the material is transparent.

Front

What is Moh's Scale?

Back

Moh's Scale is the scale used to determine the hardness of a mineral.

Front

What happens when light is refracted?

Back

When light is refracted, it passes from one transparent material to another and changes direction, making it look like it is bent.

Front

Why do we see the color white?

Back

We see the color white because all colors are being reflected.

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

Luster describes how light reflects off the surface of a mineral.

Front

What is the difference between opaque and translucent materials?

Back

Opaque materials do not allow any light to pass through, while translucent materials allow some light to pass through but not enough to see clearly.

Front

What is the definition of a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's hardness?

Back

A mineral's hardness determines how easily it can be scratched and is an important property for identification.

Front

What is the term for the color of a mineral's powder?

Back

Streak is the term for the color of a mineral's powder.