Lesson 3 - Rock Forming Minerals

Question 1

how light is reflected from the surface of a mineral

Answer 1

luster

Question 2

ability of mineral to resist scratching

Answer 2

hardness

Question 3

Mohs Hardness Scale

Answer 3

Friedrich Mohs, a German mineralogist, developed a hardness scale over 100 years ago

Question 4

hardness scale (lowest to highest)

Answer 4

talc - 1
gypsum - 2
calcite - 3
fluorite - 4
apatite - 5
feldspar - 6
quartz - 7
topaz - 8
corundum - 9
diamond - 10

Question 5

characteristic shape of a mineral unit which are visible
(either an individual crystal or a group of crystal)

Answer 5

crystal form habit

Question 6

most obvious characteristics of a mineral, and not the most useful feature

Answer 6

color

Question 7

mineral’s color in powdered form

Answer 7

streak

Question 8

non-metallic streak

Answer 8

white color

Question 9

ability of a mineral to break along preferred planes

Answer 9

cleavage

Question 10

mineral breaks unevenly or irregularly

Answer 10

fracture

Question 11

“heaviness” of a mineral

Answer 11

specific gravity

Question 12

specific gravity of water

Answer 12

1