Earth Science Lesson 1.2

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

Luster refers to the way light reflects off the surface of a mineral. It can be described as dull, silky, waxy, pearly, or earthy.

Front

What does the Mohs scale measure?

Back

The Mohs scale measures the hardness of minerals, ranking them from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond) based on their ability to scratch one another.

Front

Why is color considered the least useful property in identifying minerals?

Back

Color can vary widely among different specimens of the same mineral due to impurities, making it unreliable for identification.

Front

What is streak in mineralogy?

Back

Streak is the color of a powdered mineral, which can be observed by rubbing the mineral on a streak plate.

Front

What does cleavage mean in terms of mineral properties?

Back

Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along smooth, flat surfaces.

Front

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat planes, while fracture refers to irregular or rough breakage.

Front

What is the significance of hardness in minerals?

Back

Hardness helps in identifying minerals and understanding their resistance to scratching and wear.

Front

How can you test the hardness of a mineral?

Back

You can test hardness by attempting to scratch the mineral with objects of known hardness, such as a fingernail, copper coin, or glass.

Front

What is the definition of mineral?

Back

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

Front

What are some common examples of minerals?

Back

Common examples include quartz, feldspar, mica, calcite, and pyrite.