Question

objective #2-state the properties we use to identify a mineral and how do we determine that property?
physical property how is it determined?
1.__________=
2.__________=
3.__________=
4.__________=
5.__________=

Explanation:

To identify a mineral, several physical properties are used. Here are some common ones:

• Color: The visual appearance of the mineral. It can be observed directly.
• Luster: Describes how the mineral reflects light. For example, metallic luster (like a metal) or non - metallic luster (such as glassy, pearly, etc.). It is determined by looking at how the mineral surface reflects light.
• Hardness: Measured using the Mohs scale. Minerals are scratched against substances of known hardness (e.g., a fingernail, a copper coin, a steel file) to determine their position on the Mohs scale.
• Cleavage and Fracture: Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along smooth, flat planes. Fracture is when a mineral breaks irregularly. This is determined by observing how the mineral breaks when subjected to force (e.g., hitting it gently with a hammer).
• Streak: The color of the powder produced when a mineral is scratched on a streak plate (a piece of unglazed porcelain). The mineral is rubbed on the streak plate to obtain the streak color.

Answer:

1. Color = Observed visually.
2. Luster = Determined by how the mineral reflects light (e.g., metallic, glassy).
3. Hardness = Measured using the Mohs scale (scratching against known - hardness substances).
4. Cleavage/Fracture = Observed by how the mineral breaks (smooth planes for cleavage, irregular for fracture).
5. Streak = Obtained by rubbing the mineral on a streak plate.