Mineral Characteristics and Properties

Which of the following best explains a hardness scale?

• a scale that tests the hardness of a mineral by scratching other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a rock by scratching other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a mineral by being rubbed on other materials

• a scale that tests the hardness of a rock by being rubbed on other materials

The picture shows a mineral being tested. Which mineral property is being tested in the picture?

• cleavage

• color

• hardness

• streak

Which of the following minerals is the hardest and is a 10 on Mohs scale?

• talc

• quartz

• topaz

• diamond

Which is the correct definition of a mineral's streak?

• a line of ore in the mineral that is a different color

• a crystal in the mineral that is a different color

• the color of the powder a mineral makes

• the color of the outside of the mineral

The picture shows the mineral talc. Talc is often ground into dust and used in many types of powders. Which sentence is most likely true?

• Talc is easily stretched.

• Talc is easily scratched.

• Talc is very strong and hard.

• Talc is very flat and smooth.

Lana is comparing two minerals by shining a bright light on them and seeing how much is reflected off. What is Lana measuring?

• color

• streak

• luster

• hardness

Which property would allow a geologist to distinguish (tell the difference between) a sample of feldspar from rose quartz?

• Color

• Luster

• Hardness

• Streak

A student was given 2 different minerals of the same color. Which of the following physical properties could be tested to help the student determine the identification of the two minerals?

• Relative size

• Mass in grams

• Hardness

• Streak color

• Volume in milliliters

Using the table, which mineral will scratch Creedite but will NOT scratch Spectrolite?

• Alabaster

• Boracite

• Ekanite

• Moissanite

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Diamond has a hardness of 10, a waxy luster, is pale blue in color, and streaks white. Using this information, why are diamonds widely used in the construction industry?

• A diamond's luster makes it a good material for use in windows

• A diamond's hardness makes it a good tool to cut other materials.

• A diamond's color can be used in paint to create a pale blue color.

• A diamond's white streak can be used to make marks on buildings.