Mineral- any naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite structure, composition and physical properties. I. Physical properties of minerals A.Color-

Mineral- any naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite structure, composition and physical properties.

I. Physical properties of minerals

A. Color- unreliable physical property

B. Streak- the color of the mineral in powdered form.

C. Luster- the way minerals reflect light.

metallic

nonmetallic

D. Hardness- the relative resistance of a mineral to scratching.

Steel Nail – hardness 6.5Glass- hardness 5.5Copper Coin – hardness 3.0Fingernail- hardness 2.5

E. Density- a measure of an object’s relative weight.

F. Cleavage- the tendency for minerals to break along flat sides.

G. Fracture- minerals that do not break long flat sides.

1. Conchoidal- concave or convex sides.

2. Fibrous- breaks into thin fibers.

H. Crystals - the characteristic geometric solid thatforms when a mineral is allowed to grow freely.

I. Taste- the mineral halite is table salt.

J. Effervescence- the mineral calcite will bubbleWhen hydrochloric acid is added.

K. Magnetism- presence of Fe- Weak - Strong

L. Diaphaneity - ability to see through a mineral.

Transparent Translucent Opaque

L. Fluorescence - ability to glow when exposed to UV light.

L. Double Refraction - seeing double images.