Mineral Identification Vocabulary

what a mineral looks like (color, shape, size) Appearance what a mineral looks like (color, shape, size) NOT A VERY RELIABLE TEST

a measure of how easily a mineral scratches Hardness a measure of how easily a mineral scratches

a scale comparing the hardness of 10 common minerals. Mohs Scale of Hardness a scale comparing the hardness of 10 common minerals. Has values of 1-10

the way a mineral reflects light Luster the way a mineral reflects light

Metallic shines like metal

Non-metallic Non-metallic luster contains 5 different lusters. They are: Vitreous Resinous Pearly Greasy Adamantine

having the iridescent appearance of a pearl Pearly having the iridescent appearance of a pearl

Streak The color of a mineral in powder form. The streak test is done on a streak plate. The mineral must be softer than the streak plate to leave a streak

a break along a smooth flat surface Cleavage a break along a smooth flat surface

a break with an uneven, rough, or jagged surface Fracture a break with an uneven, rough, or jagged surface

Hardness of common objects Mineral Hardness Hardness of common objects Talc 1 (softest) Gypsum 2 Fingernail(2.5) Calcite 3 Copper peny(3.5) Fluorite 4 Iron nail(4.5) Apatite 5 Glass(5.5) Feldspar 6 Steel file(6.5) Quartz 7 Streak plate(7) Topaz 8 Corundum 9 Diamond 10