Physical Properties of Minerals

Characteristics that can be observed or measured.

• physical properties

• density

• luster

• breakage

The way a surface (of a mineral) reflect light. Either metallic or nonmetallic:

• Cleavage
• Streak
• Luster
• Reflection

Which of these minerals is softer than glass (5.5)?

• Topaz (8)

• Corundum (9)

• Calcite (3)

• Orthoclase (6)

What is shown here?

• luster

• hardness

• cleavage

• streak

Amount of matter in a given space.

• breakage

• hardness

• cleavage

• density

What is the softest mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale?

• Diamond

• Gypsum

• Topaz

• Talc

How much a mineral resists scratching is

• Streak
• Fracture
• Hardness
• Cleavage

_________ is when a mineral splits along flat surfaces.

• color
• cleavage
• fracture

___________ breaks in irregular or with jagged edges.

• properties
• hardness
• cleavage
• fracture

Which property of minerals does the photo represent?

• fracture
• streak
• habit
• cleavage