Properties of Minerals

Front

What is the ability of a mineral to resist scratching called?

Back

Hardness

Front

What does inorganic mean?

Back

Not made of living things.

Front

Why is coal not considered a mineral?

Back

It has plant life in it (organic).

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid that can have a crystal structure and definite chemical composition.

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral reflects light?

Back

Luster

Front

What is the term for the breaking of a mineral along a flat surface?

Back

Cleavage

Front

What is the term for the color of the powder left by a mineral when it is scratched on a surface?

Back

Streak

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks in an irregular way?

Back

Fracture

Front

What is the term for the specific arrangement of atoms in a mineral?

Back

Crystal structure

Front

What is the term for the measure of how heavy a mineral is for its size?

Back

Density