The color of a mineral in its powdered form.
Quartz.
Through the addition of impurities.
The appearance of light as it is reflected off the surface of a mineral.
Habit.
The weight of the mineral compared to an equal amount of water.
Magnetism.
Its molecular bonding and structure.
In mineralogy to describe the shape of certain minerals.
As a value indicating how much greater the weight of the mineral is than an equal amount of water.
It describes a texture composed of small grains or particles.
Granite, which consists of interlocking crystals.
Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along flat surfaces, while fracture refers to irregular breakage.
Using the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
It has a softer, more subdued shine compared to glassy or metallic luster.
Specific gravity is the ratio of the density of a mineral to the density of water.
It describes a crystal form that is elongated and has a prism-like shape.
Under 2.
98%.
Silicate minerals.
A texture characterized by long, thin, and needle-like crystals.
It has a unique sheen that gives a somewhat oily or slick appearance, unlike metallic or vitreous luster.
To systematically determine the identity of a mineral.
1.0.
In minerals such as mica and graphite.
By using a streak plate.
Between 2 and 4.5.
Common minerals found in geodes include quartz, calcite, and amethyst.
Minerals crystallize into a definite crystal structure based on their compositions.
By rubbing the mineral against a piece of unglazed porcelain.
Crystal Form and Habit, Cleavage and Fracture, Luster, Color and Streak, Hardness.
It describes a shape that resembles a kidney.
Small, smooth, step-like flat surfaces.
Greater than 4.5.
Silicon and oxygen.
A branching, tree-like structure in crystals.
They have a needle-like appearance.
Orthorhombic.
Triclinic.
We didn't leave the Stone Age because we ran out of rocks; we found a better way of doing things.
Its composition.
Minerals with similar compositions tend to have similar crystal structures.
The same crystal system.
A type of luster that resembles the appearance of grease or oil on a surface.
Feel.
Commonly observed in minerals like talc and some types of mica.
Isometric.
A crystal habit characterized by thin, plate-like layers.
It refers to a structure that is composed of thin, plate-like layers.
They can easily be split into thin sheets or layers.
They will fracture either in an irregular manner or as conchoidal fractures.
Taste.
Effervescence.
A type of luster that resembles the sheen of silk, often seen in minerals.
It affects the material's behavior, such as compaction and permeability.
Yes, different minerals can appear similar in color but have distinct streak colors.
Normally colorless.
A geode is a hollow rock formation filled with crystals or mineral matter.
A specific crystal form.
A crystal habit characterized by small, grain-like structures.
Acicular.
Streak is the color of the powder left when a mineral is scratched on a porcelain plate, which can help identify the mineral.
Because impurities can alter their original colors.
They break into smooth, flat, and parallel surfaces.
Geodes form when mineral-rich water seeps into a cavity in a rock and deposits minerals as it evaporates.
Color, streak, luster, hardness, cleavage, fracture, density, and specific gravity.
Color refers to the appearance of the mineral, while streak is the color of the powder left when the mineral is scratched on a porcelain plate.
Dendritic crystals or dendrites found in certain minerals.
Its composition.
It helps to distinguish between minerals that may look alike but have different compositions.
Color refers to the appearance of the mineral, while streak is the color of the powder left when the mineral is scratched on a surface.
They typically have well-defined edges and faces that resemble a prism.
Quartz is a common example of a mineral with prismatic crystals.
Definite compositions.
It refers to a branching or tree-like pattern, often seen in mineral growth or river systems.
The interior of a geode is often lined with crystals, which can vary in size and color.
Streak is less affected by impurities and surface weathering, providing a more consistent indicator of a mineral's true color.
The way a mineral reflects light, which can be described as metallic, glassy, pearly, or dull.
A kidney-shaped crystal formation.
Hexagonal.
It is 2.7 times heavier than water.
Fractures that occur with smooth, curved surfaces.
The density of a mineral.
Dull luster does not reflect light well, while shiny luster has a bright, reflective surface.
Minerals like clay and some types of quartz can exhibit dull luster.
The external shape and growth patterns of crystals.
They have cleavage surfaces that are difficult to identify.
A type of luster that resembles the shine of metals.
In the study of mineral formations or the morphology of certain geological features.
It helps in distinguishing metallic minerals from non-metallic ones.
Tetragonal.
The tendency of a mineral to break along flat, even surfaces.
A measure of a mineral's resistance to scratching, often assessed using the Mohs scale.
The resistance of a mineral to scratching.
By scratching it with another mineral or reference material with a known hardness.
Metallic luster reflects light like a metal, while non-metallic luster has a dull or glassy appearance.
Pyrite, galena, and gold.
A crystal habit that appears as thin, thread-like fibers.
A crystal habit that forms elongated, prism-like shapes.
Cleavage.
A type of mineral luster that appears non-reflective and lacks shine.
It can influence the rock's strength, porosity, and weathering resistance.
Examples include talc and some forms of gypsum.
Monoclinic.
A hollow rock formation lined with crystals.
Cleavage is the tendency to break along smooth planes, while fracture is an irregular break.
The way a mineral reflects light, which can be metallic or non-metallic.
