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Properties/Tests. Describe the properties that are used to identify minerals. Identifying Minerals Properties. All minerals have an orderly pattern of atoms. The atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern. Solid materials that have a pattern of atoms are called crystals.
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Properties/Tests Describe the properties that are used to identify minerals.
Identifying MineralsProperties • All minerals have an orderly pattern of atoms. The atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern. • Solid materials that have a pattern of atoms are calledcrystals.
Minerals-Earth’s Jewels • Sometimes crystals have smooth growth surfaces called crystal faces. • Example is the mineral pyrite also known as “fools gold”.
Identifying MineralsProperties • Another clue to a minerals identity is the way it breaks. • Cleavage:minerals that split into smooth, regular planes.
Identifying MineralsProperties • Another way it breaks... • Fracture:Minerals that break into pieces with jagged or rough edges.
Identifying MineralsProperties • Color:The reddish-gold color of a new penny shows you that it contains copper. Pyrite has a shiny, gold color similar to real gold
Identifying MineralsProperties • Streak:The color produced by the mineral when it is scraped across tile.
Identifying MineralsProperties • Luster:How light reflects off the surface. • Example: shiny, dull, metallic, pearly
Identifying MineralsProperties http://www.minsocam.org/msa/collectors_corner/article/mohs.htm Hardness: Identify minerals by their hardness. Cross reference with the Mohs scale. Scale of 1 to 10. 1 is a soft gem and 10 is hard.
Identifying MineralsProperties Magnetism- The mineral has the ability to attract certain types of metal.
Section Review • Name five properties that are commonly used to identify minerals. • Color • Luster • Streak • Hardness • Cleavage/Fracture • Magnetism