Mineral Characteristics & Properties

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

Why is a liquid not considered a mineral?

Back

Because minerals must be solid at room temperature.

Front

What scale is used to determine the hardness of minerals?

Back

Moh's Hardness Scale.

Front

Which property of minerals refers to how they break?

Back

Fracture.

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral reflects light?

Back

Luster.

Front

What is the significance of color in mineral identification?

Back

Color can vary widely and is not a reliable indicator of a mineral's identity.

Front

What does specific gravity measure in minerals?

Back

The density of a mineral compared to the density of water.

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces.

Front

What is streak in mineralogy?

Back

The color of the powder left when a mineral is scratched on a streak plate.

Front

What is the difference between hardness and toughness in minerals?

Back

Hardness measures resistance to scratching, while toughness measures resistance to breaking.