Properties of Minerals

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

A mineral is a naturally formed, inorganic solid that has a crystalline structure.

Front

True or False: A mineral is inorganic.

Back

True

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is when a mineral splits along flat surfaces.

Front

What does the Mohs scale measure?

Back

The Mohs scale measures the hardness of minerals.

Front

What is the streak of a mineral?

Back

The streak of a mineral is the color of the mineral in powdered form.

Front

What is luster in minerals?

Back

Luster refers to how light reflects off the surface of a mineral.

Front

What is the difference between cleavage and fracture?

Back

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

Front

What is hardness in the context of minerals?

Back

Hardness is a measure of how resistant a mineral is to being scratched.

Front

What is a crystalline structure?

Back

A crystalline structure is a solid where the atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern.

Front

What are the two main types of minerals?

Back

The two main types of minerals are silicate and non-silicate minerals.