Properties of Minerals

Front

What is a streak test?

Back

A streak test is a method used to identify a mineral by rubbing it against a porcelain plate to observe the color of its powder.

Front

What is the hardest mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

The hardest mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale is Diamond.

Front

Which property is NOT used to identify a mineral?

Back

Boiling point is NOT a way to identify a mineral.

Front

What does the term 'streak' refer to in mineralogy?

Back

Streak refers to the color of a mineral's powder when it is scraped against a surface.

Front

What are rocks primarily composed of?

Back

Rocks are primarily composed of different kinds of minerals.

Front

What is luster in relation to minerals?

Back

Luster describes how light reflects off the surface of a mineral, indicating its shine or dullness.

Front

What is the definition of hardness in minerals?

Back

Hardness is a measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching, often assessed using the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Front

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

The Mohs Hardness Scale is a scale that ranks minerals based on their ability to scratch one another, from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).

Front

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces, while fracture is the way a mineral breaks in an irregular manner.

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.