Definition Color of the mineral Downfall mineral can

� Definition: Color of the mineral � Downfall: mineral can occur in different colors �Example colors quartz can be found in three different

� Definition: the appearance of a mineral in reflected light. �Example: Metallic (looks like metal), and non-metallic (glassy, dull, greasy, silky or brilliant) �Downfall: Personal perception of the definition of each luster category make it hard to categorize in a definite and uniform manner Metallic luster

Greasy silky Dull Glassy brilliant

� Definition: the ability of a mineral to resist being scratched. Degree of hardness is described on Moh’s scale of 1 -10 � Problem: Personal perception of when a mineral becomes scratched makes it difficult to assign a uniform value.

MINERAL NAME 1 TALC GYPSUM 2 FINGERNAIL IS A 2. 5 CALCITE 3 4 5 GLASS IS A 5. 5 6 FLUORITE APATITE FELDSPAR 7 QUARTZ 8 TOPAZ 9 CORUNDUM 10 DIAMOND TYPICAL USES TALCUM POWDER, BABY POWDER BUILDING MATERIALS (SHEETROCK) CEMENTS TOOTHPASTE FERTILIZER FLOOR TILES WATCHES, ABRASIVES GEMSTONES (EMERALD) GEMSTONES (RUBY & SAPHIRE) SAW BLADES, “AGIRL’S BEST FRIEND”

� Definition: physical property that describes the way a mineral breaks. �Breaking occurs along planes of weakness in the mineral. � Down fall: hard to tell the planes apart Albite: 2 planes of cleavage

� Definition: The shape that mineral assumes when it crystallizes. � Downfall: if specific conditions aren’t met the mineral will not form the Crystal shape.

� Definition: The color of a mineral when it is in a powdered form. � Downfall: Can’t do the streak test on objects that are harder than the streak plate.