The higher the number a mineral has
on the Mohs Scale,
the harder it is
T or F
All minerals form crystals
T or F
True
False…
most do but not all
Pencil lead is made from the mineral
graphite
T or F
True
No other mineral can scratch the
mineral diamond
T or F
True
Color alone can identify all minerals.
T or F
False…
One type of mineral can come in many
different colors (quartz)
The break pattern of a specific
mineral is always the same.
T or F
True
Pearly and glassy describe metallic
luster.
T or F
False…
Pearly and glassy are nonmetallic
The way a mineral picks up or reflects
light is called…
luster
The tendency of minerals to break
unevenly, leaving jagged edges is
called…
fracture
The comparison of a mineral’s weight
to the weight of the same volume of
water is called…
Specific gravity
DENSITY
The measure of how well a mineral
resists to being scratched is called…
hardness
The basic shape a mineral tends to
take is called…
Crystal
The color of a mark that a mineral
leaves on white or black unglazed
porcelain is called…
streak
Hardness of a mineral is measured on
the _______Scale
Moh’s
What are the 5 things that minerals
have to be?
Solids
Formed naturally
Same chemical makeup throughout
Nonliving
Definite atomic pattern
Know 3 common uses of minerals.
(ex): Copper- electricity
Diamond- cutting & jewelry
Talc-powder & makeup
What are the 7 basic properties of all
minerals?
Color, luster, streak, hardness, crystal
shape, break pattern, specific gravity
(cleavage/fracture)
If comparing talc & quartz, which
mineral can scratch the other? Why?
(density)
Quartz can scratch talc because it’s
has a higher number on the Moh’s
Scale of hardness (higher the #, the
harder the mineral)
What are the 4 main different types of Metallic, vitreous (glassy), dull, waxy
luster a mineral can have?
What’s the difference between the 2
break patterns minerals can have?
What is a gemstone? Give at least 2
examples
List 4 ways a mineral can form.
Define specific gravity.
DENSITY
Cleavage-nice clean even breaks
Fracture- rough breaks, uneven,
jagged
Any mineral that can be cut, polished,
and sold for a profit.
EX. Diamond, Emerald, Ruby,
Amethyst, Sapphire
1. Crystals form from magma
2. Precipitate out of water
3. Change in pressure or
temperature
4. From hot water- causes
chemical reaction
Comparison of a mineral’s weight to
the weight of the same amount of
water