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Mineral Identification Vocabulary. Appearance. what a mineral looks like (color, shape, size) NOT A VERY RELIABLE TEST. Hardness. a measure of how easily a mineral scratches. Mohs Scale of Hardness. a scale comparing the hardness of 10 common minerals. Has values of 1-10. Luster.
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Appearance • what a mineral looks like (color, shape, size) • NOT A VERY RELIABLE TEST
Hardness • a measure of how easily a mineral scratches
Mohs Scale of Hardness • a scale comparing the hardness of 10 common minerals. • Has values of 1-10
Luster • the way a mineral reflects light
Metallic • shines like metal
Non-metallic • Non-metallic luster contains 5 different lusters. They are: • Vitreous • Resinous • Pearly • Greasy • Adamantine
Vitreous • appears to shine like glass
Resinous • appears to be covered in resin(plastic)
Pearly • having the iridescent appearance of a pearl
Greasy • looks like it is covered in thin grease
Adamantine • having the brilliant shine like a diamond
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
Cleavage • a break along a smooth flat surface
Fracture • a break with an uneven, rough, or jagged surface
Other Properties • interesting aspects of a mineral that no other mineral has