Describe in as much detail the mineral on your table!!!

Characteristics of a Mineral It occurs naturally It is a solid It has a definite chemical structure Its atoms are arranged in an orderly pattern It is inorganic (was never alive)

Mineral Identification Color Luster Hardness Cleavage/Fracture Other Characteristics Streak

Hardness Definition: The resistance of a mineral to scratching. Example: What will happen if I take a steel file to quartz?

How hard is the mineral that you have at your table?

Color Why is color not always a good identification? Calcite Halite

Knowing this, is the color of your mineral a good indication of your mineral?

Luster Definition: The property of a mineral that describes the quality or appearance of light reflected from its surface Metallic Non-metallic

What type of luster is your mineral? Metallic Non-metallic Waxy Brilliant Pearly Dull/Earthy

Cleavage/Fracture Cleavage Fracture

Does your sample have cleavage or is it fractured?

Streak Definition: The property of a mineral that describes its color in powdered form. Example: Pyrite is metallic gold in color, but its streak is black. While gold is metallic yellow in color and its streak is yellow.

Let’s take a look at your mineral and write down what color it streaks Let’s take a look at your mineral and write down what color it streaks. Does it streak the same color as the mineral?