4.3 Mineral Properties and Identification Flashcards
1
Q
Cleavage
A
The tendency of a mineral to break along certain planes.
2
Q
Crystal form
A
The shape of the crystal that a mineral will have if it is free to grow unimpeded when it forms.
3
Q
Density
A
The ratio of mass to volume for a substance calculated using the equation D = m / V where D is the density, m is the mass, and V is the volume.
4
Q
Fracture
A
The breaking of minerals other than along cleavage planes.
5
Q
Hardness
A
A measure of how resistant a mineral is to scratching, measured using the Mohs hardness scale.
6
Q
Luster
A
The way that a mineral reflects light off its surface.
7
Q
Mohs hardness scale
A
A scale expressing mineral hardness from 1 (very soft) to 10 (very hard).
8
Q
Streak
A
The color of a mineral when it is powdered, often determined using a streak plate.
