Identifying Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What must be true for a substance to be considered a mineral?

Back

It must be inorganic.

Front

What does it mean to be a solid?

Back

A solid has a definite shape and volume.

Front

What is hardness in terms of minerals?

Back

Hardness is the ability of a mineral to resist scratching.

Front

What is the Mohs scale of hardness?

Back

The Mohs scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

Luster is the way a mineral reflects light, which can be described as metallic or non-metallic.

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces.

Front

What is streak in mineralogy?

Back

Streak is the color of the powder produced when a mineral is scratched on a porcelain plate.

Front

What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's crystal structure?

Back

The crystal structure determines the mineral's physical properties, such as shape and cleavage.