Physical Properties of Mineral Flashcards
it is the ability of mineral to resist scratching.
Hardness
refers to how light is reflected from the surface of a mineral.
Luster
refers to the characteristic shape of a mineral unit which are visible
(either an individual crystal or a group of crystal).
Crystal Form Habit
one of the most obvious characteristics of a mineral, but generally not the most useful diagnostic feature. Minerals have this because certain wavelengths are absorbed and the results from the combination of those wave lengths that reach the eye.
Color
is the mineral’s color in powdered form. It can be useful for identifying metallic and earthy minerals.
Streak
it is the ability of a mineral to break along preferred planes.
Cleavage
Mineral breaks unevenly or irregularly.
Fracture
magnetism, odor, taste, tenacity, reaction to acid, etc. For example, magnetite is strongly magnetic; sulfur has distinctive smell; halite is salty; calcite fizzes with acid as with dolomite but in powdered form; etc.
Other
is the “heaviness” of a mineral. It is defined as number that expresses the ratio between the weight of a mineral and the weight of a mineral and the weight of an equal volume of water. Water has a specific gravity of “1”.
Specific Gravity
groups of molecules that can be separated by physical means.
Mixtures