Minerals Mr. Q/Mrs. Wolfe

What are Minerals? Minerals – Naturally Occurring Inorganic Solid Definite atomic structure Chemical Make-up

How to Identify Minerals Physical properties – Observable Characteristic that describes an object Streak – Color of the powder left by a mineral Luster – How a mineral’s Surface reflects light Hardness – Property of mineral that relates to how much the mineral resists being scratched.

Other Ways to Identify Minerals Density – Amount of Matter in a given Volume Magnetism – Force of attraction or repulsion associated with magnets Acid test – test that helps identify minerals containing Calcium Carbonate

Crystals, Cleavage, Fracture Crystal – Solid Substance with its atoms arranged in a regular three-dimensional pattern Cleavage – Tendency of some minerals to split along smooth, flat surfaces called planes Fracture – Tendency of some minerals to break into pieces with uneven surfaces

Fracture vs. Cleavage