Minerals Test

Front

What is meant by 'cleavage' in the context of minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces.

Front

Which of the following best describes a crystal?

Back

A solid in which the atoms are arranged in an orderly, repeating 3D pattern.

Front

What does 'luster' refer to when discussing minerals?

Back

The way in which light reflects from its surface (metallic or non-metallic).

Front

What is the definition of a mineral?

Back

A substance that forms in nature, is a solid, has a definite chemical makeup, and has a crystal structure.

Front

What is the definition of 'Density' in the context of physical properties?

Back

The amount of mass in a given volume of a substance.

Front

What is the definition of 'hardness' in minerals?

Back

The resistance of a mineral to being scratched.

Front

What does 'streak' mean in mineralogy?

Back

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

Front

What is 'fracture' in the context of minerals?

Back

The way a mineral breaks other than along cleavage planes.

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's 'specific gravity'?

Back

It is the ratio of the density of the mineral to the density of water.

Front

What is 'translucency' in minerals?

Back

The ability of a mineral to transmit light.