Physical Properties of Minerals

Question 1

streak

Answer 1

colour of a mineral in its powered form when rubbed on a tile

Question 2

Mohs Scale of Hardness

Answer 2

resistance of a mineral to abrasion or scratching
Talc (soft)
Diamond (Hard)

Question 3

cleavage (# of planes, angles)

Answer 3

-tendance to break along flat places of weak bonding

Question 4

Fracture

Answer 4

absence of cleavage when a mineral is broken

Question 5

conchoidal fracture

Answer 5

breaks to form smooth surfaces like broken glass

Question 6

specific gravity

Answer 6

ratio of weight to equal volume of water

Question 7

double refraction

Answer 7

are words reflected when clear mineral placed overtop