Mineral Identification Vocabulary

Appearance what a mineral looks like (color, shape, size) NOT A VERY RELIABLE TEST

what a mineral looks like (color, shape, size)

NOT A VERY RELIABLE TEST

Hardness a measure of how easily a mineral scratches

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

a scale comparing the hardness of 10 common minerals.

Has values of 1-10

Luster the way a mineral reflects light

the way a mineral reflects light

Metallic shines like metal

shines like metal

Non-metallic Non-metallic luster contains 5 different lusters. They are: Vitreous Resinous Pearly Greasy Adamantine

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

Vitreous

Resinous

Pearly

Greasy

Adamantine

Vitreous appears to shine like glass

appears to shine like glass

Resinous appears to be covered in resin (plastic)

appears to be covered in resin (plastic)

Pearly having the iridescent appearance of a pearl

having the iridescent appearance of a pearl

Greasy looks like it is covered in thin grease

looks like it is covered in thin grease

Adamantine having the brilliant shine like a diamond

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

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

a break along a smooth flat surface

Fracture a break with an uneven, rough, or jagged surface

a break with an uneven, rough, or jagged surface

Other Properties interesting aspects of a mineral that no other mineral has

interesting aspects of a mineral that no other mineral has