1. MINERALS

2. What is a mineral? Naturally occurring Inorganic Solid Crystal shape Definite chemical composition

3. Natural crystals Must be found in nature Ex. Cu, Au, SiO 2 (quartz) Crystal structure Like NaCl crystals

4. Inorganic From a non-living Source (no fossils) Solid with a formula Almandine, Fe 3 Al 2 (SiO 4 ) 3 Not liquid (Hg) or gas (O 2 )

5. Specific Gravity (density) Color Streak Luster Hardness Other properties How do I identify them?

6. SG = ratio of mineral density to water (1.0 g/cm 3 ) is the same no matter the size of the mineral sample Ex. Graphite 2.2 g/cm 3 Specific Gravity

7. Some minerals can only be a certain color (sulfur) Streak - color left when mineral is rubbed on unglazed porcelain Ex. pyrite is golden but has a dark grey streak Color & Streak

8. how light reflects off the mineral metallic vs. non-metallic Silky, glassy, dull, etc. Luster

9. Mohs hardness scale goes from 1 – 10 1 ~ soft (talc) 10 ~ hard (diamond) Hardness

10. Glow under ultraviolet light (fluorite) Magnetic (magnetite) Special Properties