Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a definite crystal structure.

Front

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

A scale that ranks minerals based on their hardness, from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Front

How do you test the hardness of a mineral?

Back

Scratch Test.

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

The way in which a mineral reflects light.

Front

Which mineral has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

Diamond.

Front

What mineral is softer than glass?

Back

Calcite.

Front

What is the difference between a rock and a mineral?

Back

A rock is a solid mass of minerals or mineral-like matter, while a mineral is a specific, naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition.

Front

What is streak in mineralogy?

Back

The color of the powder produced when a mineral is scratched on a streak plate.

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces.

Front

What is the definition of a crystal structure?

Back

The orderly, repeating arrangement of atoms in a mineral.