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Mineral- any naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a definite structure, composition and physical properties.
I. Physical properties of minerals
A. Color- unreliable physical property
B. Streak- the color of the mineral in powdered form.
C. Luster- the way minerals reflect light.
metallic
nonmetallic
D. Hardness- the relative resistance of a mineral to scratching.
Steel Nail – hardness 6.5Glass- hardness 5.5Copper Coin – hardness 3.0Fingernail- hardness 2.5
E. Density- a measure of an object’s relative weight.
F. Cleavage- the tendency for minerals to break along flat sides.
G. Fracture- minerals that do not break long flat sides.
1. Conchoidal- concave or convex sides.
2. Fibrous- breaks into thin fibers.
H. Crystals - the characteristic geometric solid thatforms when a mineral is allowed to grow freely.
I. Taste- the mineral halite is table salt.
J. Effervescence- the mineral calcite will bubbleWhen hydrochloric acid is added.
K. Magnetism- presence of Fe- Weak - Strong
L. Diaphaneity - ability to see through a mineral.
Transparent Translucent Opaque
L. Fluorescence - ability to glow when exposed to UV light.
L. Double Refraction - seeing double images.