Properties Of Minerals

Question 1

Streak

Answer 1

The color of a mineral’s powder

Question 2

Luster

Answer 2

How light is reflected from a mineral’s surface

Question 3

Hardness

Answer 3

Using the Mohs Hardness Scale, the scale ranks ten mineral’s from softest to hardest

Question 4

Cleavage

Answer 4

If a mineral breaks easily along flat surface, splits easily

Question 5

Fracture

Answer 5

When a mineral breaks apart in an irregular way, irregular break

Question 6

Softest mineral

Answer 6

Talc

Question 7

Hardest mineral

Answer 7

Diamond

Question 8

How is the streak found?

Answer 8

By rubbing a mineral on an unglazed porcelain

Question 9

What are some terms used to describe a mineral’s luster?

Answer 9

Glassy, dull, metallic

Question 10

Mineral

Answer 10

Naturally occurring, inorganic solid that has a crystal structure and a definite chemical composition

Question 11

What 5 characteristics must a mineral have?

Answer 11

1. Formed by processes that occur in the natural world
2. Inorganic
3. A solid
4. A repeating pattern which forms a crystal
5. A definite chemical composition

Question 12

What characteristics help identify a mineral?

Answer 12

Color
Streak
Luster
Density 
Hardness 
Crystal system 
Cleavage
Fracture

Question 13

Color

Answer 13

Used to identify a few minerals that have their own characteristic coloring

Question 14

Density

Answer 14

D=m/v

Each mineral has a characteristic density

Question 15

Crystal system

Answer 15

Crystals grow atom by atom to form a particular structure. These structures are grouped into 6 different categories based on the number and angle of the crystal faces

Question 16

What special properties can also be used to identify some minerals?

Answer 16

Magnetism

The ability to glow under a ultraviolet light