Properties and Characteristics of Materials

Elements that are typically hard, shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.

• Metals

• Nonmetals

• Metalloids

• Noble gases

The ability of a substance to be deformed or molded into a different shape.

• Brittle

• Malleable

• Rigid

• Ductile

A material that does not easily allow the flow of heat or electricity.

• Conductor

• Insulator

• Semiconductor

• Superconductor

A property of a substance that allows it to catch fire and burn.

• Flammable

• Incombustible

• Combustible

• Non-flammable

Lacking brightness or sheen.

• Bright

• Shiny

• Dull

• Glossy

A reddish-brown substance formed on iron or steel by the reaction of oxygen and moisture.

• Corrosion

• Oxidation

• Rust

• Mold

A property of a material that breaks or shatters easily.

• Ductile

• Malleable

• Brittle

• Flexible

Characteristics of a substance that determine how it will react with other substances.

• Physical Properties

• Chemical Properties

• Mechanical Properties

• Thermal Properties

Characteristics of a substance that can be observed or measured without changing the substance's composition.

• Chemical Properties

• Physical Properties

• Biological Properties

• Thermal Properties

The way a mineral reflects light from its surface; how shiny it appears.

• Luster

• Texture

• Color

• Hardness