Mineral Properties Review

Front

What term describes when a mineral breaks apart in an irregular way?

Back

Fracture

Front

What is a mineral's ability to scratch or be scratched by another mineral or substance called?

Back

Hardness

Front

Define a mineral in terms of its composition and characteristics.

Back

A mineral is a non-living solid material found in nature that has the same makeup throughout the entire substance.

Front

If a mineral has luster, how would you describe its appearance?

Back

It is very shiny.

Front

What does it mean for a mineral to be inorganic?

Back

It is not alive, never has been alive, and never will be.

Front

What is the term for the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral?

Back

Luster

Front

What property of minerals is measured on the Mohs scale?

Back

Hardness

Front

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces, while fracture is an irregular break.

Front

What is the significance of a mineral's streak?

Back

Streak is the color of the powder left when a mineral is scraped across a surface, which can help identify the mineral.

Front

What is the term for the specific arrangement of atoms in a mineral?

Back

Crystal structure.