1. Mineral Identification Vocabulary

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

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

4. 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

5. the way a mineral reflects light
Luster
the way a mineral reflects light

6. Metallic
shines like metal

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

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

9. 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

10. a break along a smooth flat surface
Cleavage
a break along a smooth flat surface

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

12. 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