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

• the way a mineral reflects light

Metallic

• shines like metal

Non-metallic

• Non-metallic luster contains 5 different lusters. They are:

1. Vitreous

2. Resinous

3. Pearly

4. Greasy

5. 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