Properties of Minerals

which mineral can't be scratched by a fingernail but can be scratched by a penny.

• calcite

• corundum

• gypsum

• talc

What are the characteristics that a substance must meet to be a mineral

• naturally occurring

• inorganic

• solid

• crystalline sturcture

• definite chemical composition

A mineral is always solid, with a definite volume and shape.

• true

• false

The repeating pattern of a minerals particles forms a solid __________.

Why is the color of a mineral NOT enough to identify it?

Answer explanation

Color is used only a few minerals that always have their own characteristic color.

The color of a minerals powder observed by rubbing a mineral against an unglazed piece of porcelain is called its

Now matter the size of a mineral sample, the density of that mineral always remains the same

• true

• false

The Mohs hardness scale rankest from softest to hardest mineral

• 1-12

• 1-8

• 1-10

• 1-6

A mineral can scratch any mineral softer than itself, and can be scratched by anything harder.

• true

• false

The hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale is a