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Describe in as much detail the mineral on your table!!!. Characteristics of a Mineral. It occurs naturally It is a solid It has a definite chemical structure Its atoms are arranged in an orderly pattern It is inorganic (was never alive). Mineral Identification. Color Luster Hardness
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Characteristics of a Mineral • It occurs naturally • It is a solid • It has a definite chemical structure • Its atoms are arranged in an orderly pattern • It is inorganic (was never alive)
Mineral Identification • Color • Luster • Hardness • Cleavage/Fracture • Other Characteristics • Streak
Hardness Definition: The resistance of a mineral to scratching. Example: What will happen if I take a steel file to quartz?
Color Why is color not always a good identification? Calcite Halite
Knowing this, is the color of your mineral a good indication of your mineral?
LusterDefinition: The property of a mineral that describes the quality or appearance of light reflected from its surface Metallic Non-metallic
What type of luster is your mineral? • Metallic • Non-metallic • Waxy • Brilliant • Pearly • Dull/Earthy
Cleavage/Fracture Cleavage Fracture
Streak Definition: The property of a mineral that describes its color in powdered form. Example: Pyrite is metallic gold in color, but its streak is black. While gold is metallic yellow in color and its streak is yellow.
Let’s take a look at your mineral and write down what color it streaks. Does it streak the same color as the mineral?