Color is one of
the most
obvious
properties of a
mineral, but is
often limited
diagnostic value
Luster
metallic luster
Vitreous luster
pearly luster
earthy
luster
waxy
luster
Streak
The streak is
obtained by
scratching the
mineral in a piece of
unpolished white
porcelain called
scratched plate.
The streak
refers to the
color of the
mineral
powder
Hardness
Hardness is the
istance of a
scratched mineral
by other materials.
Cleavage and Fracture
Density
Density= m/v
Chemical Properties
Reaction with Acid
Some minerals,
especially
carbonate minerals,
react visibly with
acid. (Usually, a
dilute hydrochloric
acid [HCl] is used.)
Taste,
Odor
Some minerals
have a distinctive
flavor (halite is salt
and obviously
tastes like salt).
and some a
distinctive smell
Additional Properties
Special properties help
identify some minerals.
These properties may
not be distinctive
enough in most minerals
to help with their
identification. or they
may be present only in
certain minerals.
Magnetism
Some
minerals are
attracted by a
magnet..
Refringence
Rays of light are
deflected of his
career when they
pass a transparent
mineral.