Physical Properties of Minerals

• Specific gravity


  Measure of how dense a mineral is compared to the density of water
• Color


  Appearance of a mineral when viewed under normal lighting conditions
• Transparency


  Ability of a mineral to transmit light
• Magnetism


  Physical attributes that occur through a magnetic field, allowing objects to attract or repel each other
• Density


  Measurement of how tightly a material is packed together
• Luster


  Property of minerals that indicates how much the surface reflects light
• Crystal form


  Geometric shape of mineral crystals, caused by the symmetrical, three-dimensional arrangement of atoms
• Cleavage


  Tendency of a mineral to break along flat planar surfaces, caused by the alignment of weaker bonds between atoms in the crystal lattice
• Tenacity


  Toughness or resistance to breaking or being deformed
• Types of tenacity

  • Brittle - Breaks or powders easily
  • Malleable - Can be hammered into thin sheets
  • Sectile - Can be cut into thin shavings with a knife
• Hardness


  Resistance to scratching or abrasion
• Streak


  Colour of a mineral's powder form, more reliable than colour as it does not vary
• Specific gravity


  Measure of how dense a mineral is compared to the density of water
• Solubility


  Ability of a mineral to dissolve in a liquid, such as water or acid
• Taste


  Property only present in water-soluble minerals, can be salty, bitter, or difficult to describe