Properties of Minerals (FA # 2)

The tendency of a mineral to split along planes of weakness is called ________.

It is the most unreliable physical property of minerals.

The color of a mineral in powdered form.

A naturally occurring solid that has a crystalline structure and definite chemical composition.

It is defined as the mass of a material per unit volume.

You noticed that the surface of a certain mineral reflects light similar to that of a silk cloth. The mineral property you have observed is ____________.

The ability of a mineral to resist scratching.

The table shows the hardness of four common materials. Use this information to answer the question.

Dolomite has a hardness of 3.5. Which statement is CORRECT? Dolomite can scratch a ___.

• window glass, but cannot be scratched by a fingernail

• window glass, but cannot be scratched by a steel nail

• copper penny, but cannot be scratched by a fingernail

• copper penny, but cannot be scratched by a steel nail

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

• Orthoclase can scratch apatite.

• Apatite can scratch quartz.

• Fluorite can scratch gypsum, but not apatite.

• Neither topaz nor quartz can scratch corundum.

An unknown mineral sample cannot scratch calcite, but calcite can scratch the sample. Which of the following is most likely the mineral’s hardness?

• 2

• 4

• 5

• 6