Mineral Identification

Front

What is a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What must be true for a substance to be considered a mineral?

Back

It must be naturally occurring.

Front

What is luster in mineralogy?

Back

Luster is the way in which light reflects off the surface of a mineral.

Front

What are the two main types of luster?

Back

Metallic and nonmetallic.

Front

Which mineral is commonly used for pencil lead?

Back

Graphite.

Front

What is the streak of a mineral?

Back

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

Front

What is the hardness of a mineral?

Back

Hardness is a measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching.

Front

What scale is used to measure mineral hardness?

Back

Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

Front

What is cleavage in minerals?

Back

Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces.

Front

What is fracture in minerals?

Back

Fracture is the way a mineral breaks when it does not cleave.