Minerals Definition

Minerals are substances that have all of these 5 properties:

1. Are Solid (Keep their shape; are not liquid or gas) 

2. Are Natural (Found in nature; not made by people)

3. Are Inorganic (Not from living things; not plant or animal)

4. Have definite (specific and unchanging) compositions

5. Are Crystals (Have atoms making repeating geometric shapes)

Minerals are solid, natural, inorganic crystals with definite chemical compositions.

This describes whether the mineral's surface reflects light (shines) like a metal or non-metal.

2. Luster

This is the main color that the mineral appears (looks).

Most minerals cannot be identified by only using this property.

1. Apparent Color

Identifying Mineral Types by Physical & Chemical Properties

You can identify minerals using physical and chemical properties such as apparent color and luster.

When a mineral breaks along non-flat surfaces in a rough, curved, uneven, or jagged manner.

4. Fracture

When a mineral splits or breaks along flat surfaces, that is called cleavage.

3. Cleavage

Identifying Mineral Types by Physical & Chemical Properties - Types of Breakage

You can identify minerals using physical and chemical properties such as types of breakage.

This is a number between 1 and 10 that states how difficult it is to scratch a mineral using other minerals or tools (like a fingernail, penny, or glass).

6. Hardness

This is the color of the powder mark left when a mineral is rubbed on a ceramic tile.

It is considered the "true color" of the mineral.

5. Streak Color

Identifying Mineral Types by Physical & Chemical Properties

You can identify minerals using physical and chemical properties such as streak color and hardness.