6.6 C - Properties of Minerals

Using the chart below of the Mohs Hardness Scale, answer the following question. A certain mineral sample cannot scratch apatite, but apatite can scratch the sample. Which of the following is most likely the mineral’s hardness?

• 4
• 6
• 8
• 10

Information on several minerals is given in this table. If one were to observe samples of the minerals from the table, which two would appear similar in color, but could be distinguished, one from the other, using a streak test?

• Hematite and Stantinite
• Chalcopyrite and Platinum
• Acanthite and Stantinite
• Chalcopyrite and Biotite

The table provides information on four minerals. A mineral sample has a metallic luster, is black in color, and has a hardness of 6. Which of the minerals in the table is a reasonable identification for this mineral sample?

• Pyrite
• Graphite
• Hematite
• Calcite

This table provides information on two minerals. Which property would allow a geologist to distinguish a sample of feldspar from rose quartz?

• Color
• luster
• hardness
• streak

The table provides information on both pyrite and gold. Pyrite is sometimes confused with gold. Some of the properties listed could help someone distinguish between pyrite and gold. Gold will be the only mineral that has which of the following properties?

• Yellow color
• Metallic luster
• Hardness of 3
• Black streak

Physical properties of minerals such as color, hardness, luster, and streak are used to determine what about a mineral?

• Identity
• Mass
• Age
• Location

Scientists test for the hardness of a mineral by doing which of the following?

• Measuring the mass of the mineral, and comparing it against other minerals
• Observing how light reflects off the mineral and how the mineral looks as a result
• Observing the color of a mineral and comparing it against other minerals
• Scratching the mineral against other substances of known hardness

One test of a mineral is the streak test in which what property is determined?

• The color of powder left behind when the mineral is rubbed on a surface
• The amount of pore space in the mineral as measured by submerging it in water
• The conductivity of a mineral, determined by attaching it to an electric circuit
• The wavelength of light that are refracted when light passes through the mineral

Which of the following best describes luster?

• The mass of an object
• The way light reflects off an object
• The texture of an object
• The density of an object

Refer to the Mohs Hardness Scale. A mineral with a hardness of 7 can scratch -

• orthoclase feldspar, but cannot scratch talc
• calcite, but cannot scratch apatite.
• topaz, but cannot scratch fluorite
• gypsum, but cannot scratch corundum