Mineral Properties

Front

Naturally Occurring

Back

Formed from natural processes on earth.

Front

Inorganic

Back

Made of substances that are NOT LIVING and have NEVER BEEN LIVING.

Front

Solid

Back

It has a definite (not changing) shape and volume.

Front

Crystals

Back

Have flat sides (faces) and sharp edges and corners.

Front

Definite Chemical Composition

Back

Must contain the same elements in the same proportion throughout.

Front

Luster

Back

The way a mineral reflects light.

Front

Hardness

Back

The ability of a mineral to resist being scratched.

Front

Streak

Back

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

Front

Fracture

Back

Breaks apart curved surfaces with irregular or uneven, jagged shapes.

Front

Cleavage

Back

Breaks apart in smooth planes (steps).