Characteristics Of Rocks And Minerals

Question 1

Minerals with the same chemistry can have different color, usually caused by minor impurities in the crystal

Answer 1

Color

Question 2

Color of the powdered mineral

Answer 2

Streak

Question 3

Or sheen, how light is reflected from a mineral surface

Answer 3

Luster

Question 4

Ability to scratch or be scratched by another substance

Answer 4

Hardness

Question 5

Atoms within crystal are engaged in a lattice which has a regular internal framework

Answer 5

Crystal Structure

Question 6

Shape that a mineral will take as it crystallizes

Answer 6

Crystal shape

Question 7

When crystal break, they split along straight faces called cleavage planes

Answer 7

Cleavage

Question 8

Sharing of crystal lattice points in a symmetrical manner

Answer 8

Twinning

Question 9

Mass per unit volume

Answer 9

Density

Question 10

Relates the measured density of a material to a reference substance, usually water

Answer 10

Specific gravity

Question 11

Distinct appearance such as radiating like a fan, rounded little balls or needle-like masses.

Answer 11

Crystal habit/form

Question 12

Can be seen clearly through a mineral; translucent - transmits light but objects cannot be seen clearly

Answer 12

Transparency

Question 13

Ability to attract other minerals

Answer 13

Magnetism

Question 14

Bubbles signal the presence of carbonate minerals

Answer 14

Effervescence

Question 15

Ability to conduct electrical currents

Answer 15

Conductivity

Question 16

Emission of visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light

Answer 16

Fluorescence

Question 17

Percentage of open spaces or pores within a rock’s structure and is measure of its ability to hold fluids such as water or oil

Answer 17

Porosity

Question 18

Rock’s ability to withstand stress or deformation

Answer 18

Strength

Question 19

Rock’s ability to resist physical and chemical weathering processes over time

Answer 19

Weathering resistance

Question 20

The size, shape and arrangement of mineral grains or crystals within a rock

Answer 20

Texture

Question 21

Rocks are composed of minerals, which are naturally occurring, inorganic substances with specific chemical composition and crystal structures

Answer 21

Mineral composition