Properties of minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

Luster refers to the way light reflects off the surface of a mineral, categorized as metallic or nonmetallic.

Front

What does metallic luster mean?

Back

Metallic luster means the mineral has a shiny, reflective surface similar to that of metal.

Front

What is the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

A scale that ranks minerals based on their ability to scratch one another, from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest).

Front

Which mineral is the softest on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

Talc.

Front

What is the hardness of calcite on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

Back

Calcite has a hardness of 3.

Front

Can a penny scratch calcite?

Back

No, a penny cannot scratch calcite, but it can scratch gypsum.

Front

What is streak in mineralogy?

Back

Streak is the color of the powder left when a mineral is scraped across a porcelain plate.

Front

What mineral has a black streak and a metallic luster?

Back

Magnetite.

Front

What is the definition of a nonmetallic luster?

Back

Nonmetallic luster refers to a dull or glassy appearance, lacking the shine of metallic minerals.