Mineral Identification

Front

What does a crystalline structure mean?

Back

Atoms or ions are arranged in an orderly repetitive manner.

Front

What mineral has a nonmetallic luster, is colorless with a colorless streak, and cannot be scratched by a fingernail?

Back

Halite.

Front

What is a mineral's resistance to being scratched called?

Back

Hardness.

Front

Which test is not reliable in identifying minerals?

Back

Color.

Front

What is the term for breakage along smooth, flat planes?

Back

Cleavage.

Front

What is luster in mineral identification?

Back

The way a mineral reflects light, which can be metallic or nonmetallic.

Front

What is streak in mineral identification?

Back

The color of the powder left when a mineral is scratched on a streak plate.

Front

What is the definition of hardness in minerals?

Back

A measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching, often measured on the Mohs scale.

Front

What is the Mohs scale?

Back

A scale that ranks minerals from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond) based on their hardness.

Front

What is specific gravity in mineral identification?

Back

The ratio of the density of a mineral to the density of water.