Characteristics Of Rocks And Minerals Flashcards
Minerals with the same chemistry can have different color, usually caused by minor impurities in the crystal
Color
Color of the powdered mineral
Streak
Or sheen, how light is reflected from a mineral surface
Luster
Ability to scratch or be scratched by another substance
Hardness
Atoms within crystal are engaged in a lattice which has a regular internal framework
Crystal Structure
Shape that a mineral will take as it crystallizes
Crystal shape
When crystal break, they split along straight faces called cleavage planes
Cleavage
Sharing of crystal lattice points in a symmetrical manner
Twinning
Mass per unit volume
Density
Relates the measured density of a material to a reference substance, usually water
Specific gravity
Distinct appearance such as radiating like a fan, rounded little balls or needle-like masses.
Crystal habit/form
Can be seen clearly through a mineral; translucent - transmits light but objects cannot be seen clearly
Transparency
Ability to attract other minerals
Magnetism
Bubbles signal the presence of carbonate minerals
Effervescence
Ability to conduct electrical currents
Conductivity
Emission of visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light
Fluorescence
Percentage of open spaces or pores within a rock’s structure and is measure of its ability to hold fluids such as water or oil
Porosity
Rock’s ability to withstand stress or deformation
Strength
Rock’s ability to resist physical and chemical weathering processes over time
Weathering resistance
The size, shape and arrangement of mineral grains or crystals within a rock
Texture
Rocks are composed of minerals, which are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with specific chemical composition and crystal structures
Mineral composition
