Color
Is the most obvious but least dependable property. So
come in one color. Other minerals have a wide variety
calcite, which can be pink, orange, blue-green, red, bro
Sometimes other elements can cause a change in color
will have a different color if viewed under an ultraviole
minerals are considered to be fluorescent.
PHYSICAL PROPERITES OF MINERALS NOTES
SEPT. 29, 2015
Streak
The color of cursed mineral powder is known as t
streak. A mineral is scraped across a streak plate
it leaves. The color of a mineral’s powder streak i
identifying minerals in two ways. The color of the
different than the color of the element or nearly e
streak color that stays the same regardless of the
mineral.
Streak plates Are small squared of white, unglazed porcelain. A
streaks white or clear can’t be tested this way. Str
useful in identifying dark-colored minerals. If a st
available, a piece of fine sandpaper will work for t
minerals.
Hardness describes how a substance will resist being
Hardness
another substance.
Moh’s Scale
It is the standard scale for measuring the hardness of
developed by Frederick Mohs in 1822. The scale rat
through 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the
different mineral is represented by each number, wit
harder than the previous one.
The scale is relative in measurement. A mineral can
less than 4 in hardness. The hardness can be written
or in half number increments for in between hardnes
Luster
The way it reflect light is called luster. It is used to d
Cleavage
Fracture
mineral looks. It is impossible to identify minerals th
luster on this characteristic alone. Some can have a m
Non-metalic minerals are shiny but not as reflective
that are not shiny are classed earthy or dull. Others m
silky, pearly, and vitreous (glassy). A mineral’s lust
to its chemical composition.
Minerals are made of crystals, and when the cryst
reveals a particular crystal shape. This shape is k
If the mineral does not have any crystalized fragm
not have cleavage.
The way a mineral is broken. Different minerals b
ways. Fracture can be used to describe the way a
when it does not have cleavage.