Identifying Mineral Samples Through Key Tests

The video tutorial discusses various methods for identifying minerals, highlighting the limitations of using color due to its variability. It explains how to measure mineral hardness using the Mo's hardness scale and glass, and describes the concept of luster, distinguishing between metallic and non-metallic appearances. The tutorial also covers mineral breakage, differentiating between cleavage and fracture, and demonstrates the streak test to identify minerals by their powdered color. Additionally, it explores unique mineral properties such as taste, magnetism, and double refraction.

Why is color not a reliable characteristic for identifying minerals?

• Because minerals can change color over time.

• Because the same mineral can exist in different colors.

• Because color is difficult to observe.

• Because color is not a physical property.

What is the hardness of glass on the Mo's hardness scale?

• 4.5

• 7.5

• 5.5

• 6.5

How can you tell if a mineral has a metallic luster?

• It is always dark in color.

• It has a rough texture.

• It is transparent.

• It looks like a piece of metal.

Which mineral property refers to how light reflects off the surface?

• Hardness

• Cleavage

• Luster

• Streak

What type of breakage does a mineral display if it breaks randomly?

• Cleavage

• Fracture

• Splitting

• Shattering

What type of cleavage does biotite mica display?

• It forms rounded shapes.

• It breaks into cubes.

• It peels off in thin sheets.

• It shatters into random pieces.

Which mineral property is tested using streak plates?

• Luster

• Cleavage

• Hardness

• Streak

What color streak does red hematite leave on a streak plate?

• Gray

• Yellow

• Black

• Reddish brown

What unique property does magnetite have?

• It changes color in light.

• It is transparent.

• It tastes salty.

• It is magnetic.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-3

What happens when hydrochloric acid is dropped on calcite?

• It turns blue.

• It fizzes up like soda.

• It becomes magnetic.

• It dissolves completely.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2