Mineral Properties Flashcard

Front

What mineral group do compounds containing fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine belong to?

Back

Halides

Front

What is the term for the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is scraped across a surface?

Back

Streak

Front

What is the term for the way a mineral breaks apart in an irregular way with rough or jagged edges?

Back

Fracture

Front

Which mineral group is characterized by the presence of silicon and oxygen?

Back

Silicates

Front

What is the term for the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces?

Back

Cleavage

Front

What is the definition of a mineral?

Back

A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and a crystalline structure.

Front

What property of minerals is determined by the arrangement of atoms within the mineral?

Back

Crystal structure

Front

What is the Mohs scale used for?

Back

To measure the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is the term for the luster of a mineral that appears shiny and reflective?

Back

Metallic luster

Front

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency to break along flat surfaces, while fracture is an irregular break.