Mineral Characteristics and Properties

Which of the following properties of minerals is described with the Mohs scale?

• luster

• fracture

• fluorescence

• hardness

Which of the following is NOT a property of minerals?

• ore

• luster

• fracture

• color

Part of a gemstone's value is based on the way it shines in reflected light. The way a mineral reflects light is described as the mineral's-

• streak

• color

• luster

• fracture

Which of the following is NOT a property of a mineral?

• luster

• color

• hardness

• size

Using the table, which mineral will scratch Creedite but will NOT scratch Spectrolite?

• Alabaster

• Boracite

• Ekanite

• Moissanite

Diamond has a hardness of 10, a waxy luster, is pale blue in color, and streaks white. Using this information, why are diamonds widely used in the construction industry?

• A diamond's luster makes it a good material for use in windows

• A diamond's hardness makes it a good tool to cut other materials.

• A diamond's color can be used in paint to create a pale blue color.

• A diamond's white streak can be used to make marks on buildings.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

Which of the following best explains a hardness scale?

• a scale that tests the hardness of a mineral by scratching other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a rock by scratching other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a mineral by being rubbed on other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a rock by being rubbed on other materials

The picture shows a mineral being tested. Which mineral property is being tested in the picture?

• cleavage

• color

• hardness

• streak

Brick, steel, and glass all come from substances found in Earth's crust, but they are NOT called minerals because they are-

• not made by nature

• made of rock.

• too hard and heavy

• useful to humans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

Which of the following minerals is the hardest and is a 10 on Mohs scale?

• talc

• quartz

• topaz

• diamond