Module 3: Physical and Chemical Properties of Minerals

Question 1

It refers to the overall shape or growth pattern of the mineral. It can be described as equant, elongate and platy

Answer 1

Crystal Habit

Question 2

Tthree dimensions of the mineral have about the same length, like that of a cube or sphere

Answer 2

Equant

Question 3

Forms prismatic or prism-like crystals that are thicker than the needle as in a pencil.

Answer 3

Elongate

Question 4

Looks like a flattened and thin crystal (like plate)

Answer 4

Platy

Question 5

Describes the appearance of a mineral when light is reflected from its surface. It can be described as opaque, transparent, dull, or shiny.

Answer 5

Luster

Question 6

__________ luster is opaque and very reflective like gold and silver

Answer 6

Metallic

Question 7

__________ luster is dull, silky, greasy, and pearly like silicates.

Answer 7

Nonmetallic

Question 8

It refers to the tendency of minerals to break along very smooth, flat and shiny surfaces.

Answer 8

Cleavage

Question 9

It is a measure of the mineral’s resistance to scratching.

Answer 9

Hardness

Question 10

It is one of the most obvious properties of a mineral but not reliable alone.

Answer 10

Color

Question 11

It refers to the color of the mineral in its powdered form, which may or may not be the same color as the mineral.

Answer 11

Streak

Question 12

These minerals are naturally occurring in nature in an uncombined form with a distinct mineral structure. It can be classified as metal, semimetals and nonmetals.

Answer 12

Native

Question 13

This is the largest group of minerals. It contains silicon and oxygen, with some aluminum, magnesium, iron and calcium

Answer 13

Silicates

Question 14

It is formed from the combination of a metal with oxygen. This group ranges from dull ores like bauxite to gems like rubies and sapphires.

Answer 14

Oxides

Question 15

These are made of compounds of sulfur usually with a metal. They tend to be heavy and brittle.

Answer 15

Sulfides

Question 16

These are made of compounds of sulfur usually with a metal. They tend to be heavy and brittle. These are made of compounds of sulfur combined with metals and oxygen. It is a large group of minerals that tend to be soft, and translucent.

Answer 16

Sulfates

Question 17

They form from halogen elements like chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine combined with metallic elements. They are very soft and easily dissolved in water.

Answer 17

Halides

Question 18

These are group of minerals made of carbon, oxygen, and a metallic element

Answer 18

Carbonates

Question 18

They are often formed when other minerals are broken down by weathering. They are often brightly colored.

Answer 18

Phosphates

Question 18

It is the term used for those substances that do not fit neatly into one of the eight classes.

Answer 18

Mineraloid