Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What are the main properties used to identify minerals?

Back

The main properties used to identify minerals include streak, luster, hardness, cleavage, and fracture.

Front

What does 'hardness' mean in terms of minerals?

Back

Hardness refers to a mineral's resistance to being scratched.

Front

What is 'cleavage' in mineralogy?

Back

Cleavage is the property of a mineral to split easily along flat surfaces.

Front

What is 'streak' in relation to minerals?

Back

Streak is the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is scraped across a surface.

Front

Why is coal not considered a mineral?

Back

Coal is not considered a mineral because it is not inorganic; it is made from organic materials.

Front

What does 'luster' refer to in minerals?

Back

Luster refers to the way a mineral reflects light, which can be described as metallic, glassy, dull, etc.

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's 'definite chemical composition'?

Back

A definite chemical composition means that a mineral has a specific chemical formula that does not vary.

Front

What is 'fracture' in minerals?

Back

Fracture is the way a mineral breaks when it does not break along cleavage planes.

Front

Can minerals be man-made?

Back

No, minerals are naturally occurring substances; man-made materials are not classified as minerals.