Mineral Identification Vocabulary
Appearance what a mineral looks like (color, shape, size) NOT A VERY RELIABLE TEST
Hardness a measure of how easily a mineral scratches
Mohs Scale of Hardness a scale comparing the hardness of 10 common minerals. Has values of 1-10
Luster the way a mineral reflects light
Metallic shines like metal
Non-metallic Non-metallic luster contains 5 different lusters. They are: 1.Vitreous 2.Resinous 3.Pearly 4.Greasy 5.Adamantine
Vitreous appears to shine like glass
Resinous appears to be covered in resin (plastic)
Pearly having the iridescent appearance of a pearl
Greasy looks like it is covered in thin grease
Adamantine having the brilliant shine like a diamond
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
Cleavage a break along a smooth flat surface
Fracture a break with an uneven, rough, or jagged surface
Other Properties interesting aspects of a mineral that no other mineral has