Introduction to Minerals

Questions and Answers

What is a mineral?

A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic solid that has a crystal structure and a definite chemical structure.

Name the 5 characteristics that minerals need.

Naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, crystal structured, definite chemical composition.

What is a streak?

A streak is the color of the mineral's powder.

What is a luster?

A luster is the term used to describe how light is reflected from a mineral. Signup and view all the answers

What is the color of a mineral?

It provides very little information about the mineral. Signup and view all the answers

Find the density, given: Mass: 300 grams, volume: 30 cm³. What is the density?

Density = 10 g/cm³ Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOHs hardness scale?

The MOHs hardness scale is a scale which ranks ten minerals from softest to hardest. Signup and view all the answers

What is fracture and cleavage?

Cleavage is when a mineral splits easily along flat surfaces; fracture describes an irregular break. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between fracture and cleavage?

Cleavage can identify a mineral that splits easily, whereas fracture identifies a mineral that breaks irregularly. Signup and view all the answers

Amber is used in jewelry. Is amber a mineral?

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of a Mineral

A mineral is defined as a naturally occurring, inorganic solid.
It possesses a crystal structure and has a definite chemical composition.

Characteristics of Minerals

To qualify as a mineral, a substance must be:
- Naturally occurring
- Inorganic
- Solid
- Have a crystal structure
- Possess a definite chemical composition

Streak

Streak refers to the color of a mineral's powder when it is scratched or rubbed against a surface.

Luster

Luster describes how light interacts with the surface of a mineral, indicating its shine or reflectiveness.

Color of a Mineral

The color of a mineral offers limited information about its identity and is not a reliable diagnostic property.

Density Calculation

Density is calculated using the formula:
- Density = mass/volume
- Example calculation: For a mass of 300 grams and a volume of 30 cm³, the density is 10 g/cm³.

MOHs Hardness Scale

The MOHs hardness scale ranks ten minerals from the softest to the hardest, providing a relative measure of a mineral's hardness.

Fracture and Cleavage

Cleavage is a property of minerals that split easily along flat surfaces.
Fracture describes the appearance of a mineral when it breaks in an irregular manner.

Difference Between Fracture and Cleavage

Cleavage allows for easy identification when a mineral splits along specific planes.
Fracture indicates irregular breaks and can assist in identifying minerals that do not cleave.

Amber as a Mineral

Amber is formed from hardened resin of alpine trees and is used in jewelry.
It is classified as a mineral due to its natural occurrence and solid form, despite being organic in origin.

Description

Explore the fundamental properties and characteristics of minerals in this quiz. Understand definitions, streak, luster, color, and density calculations. Test your knowledge on the classification and significance of minerals.