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Mineral Lab/questions Pg. 28Properties of Minerals Pg. 29

Physical Properties of Minerals Pg. 29

(can be used to identify the mineral)1. Color- Can be misleading Can vary with the type of impurities

Physical Properties of Minerals (can be used to identify the mineral)

2. Luster- Surface reflection of light metallic = shiny like metal non-metallic = dull or reflects

light(but not like metals)

Pyrite has a metallic luster

Calcite has a non-metallic luster

Physical Properties of Minerals (can be used to identify the mineral)

3. Streak-The color of the powdered form of the mineral.

The color of the streak can be different than the mineral.Minerals must be softer than the streak plate.

Streak…can help identify quartz

http://www.childrensmuseum.org/geomysteries/cube/b3.html

Physical Properties of Minerals (can be used to identify the mineral)

4. Cleavage The way the mineral breaks

& Fracture Cleavage—minerals

break along smooth, flat surfaces.

Fracture—minerals that break at random

with rough or jagged edges.

Physical Properties of Minerals (can be used to identify the mineral)

5.Hardness- How easily a mineral scratches materials(or resists being scratched)

Mohs Hardness Scale Scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) Test by seeing if the mineral can scratch different objects (like human fingernail, copper penny, glass, steel file)

Cleavage or fracture?

Cleavage or fracture?

Turn to page 28

• Copy the following chart.

Name Color Luster Streak Color

Cleavage or Fracture

Hardness (1-10)

1.Hematite2. Pyrite3. Graphite4. Gypsum5. Halite6. Calcite7. Selenite8. Apatite9. Quartz10.Muscovite 11. Olivine12.Microcline

View minerals and identify their properties.