CHARACTERISTICS OF MINERALS

IT IS SOLID.
Formed by inorganic processes. For a rock to be formed as a
mineral, it must be form from non-living materials.
Naturally Occuring. Natural occurring minerals arent created
in factories, etc.
Definite Chemical Composition. When a mineral is made of
the same material throughout.
Definite Crystallize Structure. It has a crystal inside or
outside.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF A MINERAL

Crystal Form

This refers to the Geometric shape of a

crystal or mineral

Hardness

It is the Resistance to scratching or

abrasion

Color

It is the Visible light spectrum

radiation reflected from a mineral

Cleavage and
Fracture

Cleavage refers to the breakage of

mineral along planes of weakness in
the crystal structure. While the
fracture refers to the breakage of
mineral not along planes of
weaknesses in the crystal structure

Specific Gravity

It refers to the ratio of the mass of a

mineral to the mass of an equal
volume of water.