Properties of Minerals

The way a surface reflects light.

• color
• luster
• streak
• density

Refers to a mineral's resistance to being scratched. 

• color
• cleavage
• hardness
• breakage

Characteristics that can be observed or measured.

• physical properties
• density
• luster
• breakage

Amount of matter in a given space.

• breakage
• hardness
• cleavage
• density

Determined by how the mineral breaks (cleavage or fracture)

• breakage
• hardness
• luster
• streak

Color of a mineral in powdered form.

• hardness
• streak
• breakage
• density

Outside appearance of a mineral.

• streak
• hardness
• color
• breakage

A shiny material is described as having a __________________ luster

• metallic
• nonmetallic

A dull material is described as having a __________________ luster.

• metallic
• nonmetallic

_________________ is the tendency of a mineral to break along a flat surface.

• Cleavage
• Fracture