Minerals Review 3 & 4

Which of the following are characteristics of a mineral?

• natural

• crystalline structure

• solid

• all of the above

Which of the following do NOT classify as a mineral because they don't meet all 5 characteristics?

• coal

• wood

• salt

• quartz

If a mineral breaks along flat surfaces, it demonstrates this property.

• color

• streak

• luster

• cleavage

If a mineral is said to be "metallic", this is a description of its:

• color

• streak

• luster

• cleavage

This mineral identification property is the most easily observed, but the least reliable.

• color

• streak

• luster

• cleavage

11. Why is color not a very good indicator in identifying minerals?

• Minerals only come in one color

• Every mineral has its own unique color.

• Many different minerals come in the same color.

1. When determining the color of a mineral’s powder, what tool would you need?

• A. Glass Plate

• B. Unglazed porcelain tile (ceramic plate)

• C. Microscope

• D. Hydrochloric acid

2. Which mineral property refers to how easily a mineral can be scratched?

• A. Streak

• B. Density

• C. Hardness

• D. Fracture

4. Fracture or cleavage of a mineral is determined by:

• A. how long it took to form

• B. the internal arrangement of atoms

• C. temperature

• D. the color of the mineral

Using the Mohs Hardness Scale above answer the following questions as true or false.

1. _____ Apatite would scratch fluorite but not topaz.

• True

• False