Mineral Identification

Identify A Mineral Physical Properties Hardness

How easily it can be scratched

Mohs Scale Luster

Way it reflects light Metallic or

nonmetallic

Mohs scale

Identify A Mineral Specific Gravity

The ratio of a mineral’s weight compared to the weight of an equal volume of water

Streak The color of a mineral when it is in

powdered form Depends on the softness of the

mineral

Identify A Mineral Cleavage

Minerals that break along smooth flat surfaces

Mica Fracture

Minerals that break with uneven (not planar) surfaces

Quartz Other

Magnetite – magnetic Calcite – light in 2 rays, fizzes with HCl

acid

Regents LINK

Online Mineral ID lab