Earth system composed of water in its liquid, gaseous

(vapor) and solid (ice) phases.

The gaseous layer surrounding the Earth and held to

its surface by gravity.

The part of the planet composed of rocks and

minerals.

- This contains all living organisms.

- Intimately related to the other three spheres

Physical Properties of Minerals

the ability of a mineral to resist abrasion or

scratching.

the most readily identifiable, not a reliable.

the way in which the surface of a mineral

reflects light.

It is the natural shape of a mineral before

the occurrence of breakage or cleavage.

mineral's perfectness or flatness of

breakage.

breakage of minerals that does not show well

defined planes.