Mineral Properties

1. LUSTER - it is the quality and intensity of reflected light exhibited by the mineral.
2. HARDNESS - it is a measure of the resistance of a mineral to abrasion.
3. COLOR AND STREAK - Color is the visible hue of the mineral, Streak on the other hand is the color of a mineral in powdered form.
4. CRYSTAL FORM/HABIT - the external shape of a crystal or groups of crystals is displayed/observed as these crystals grow in open spaces.
5. CLEAVAGE - it is the property of some minerals to break along parallel repetitive planes of weakness to form smooth, flat surfaces.
6. FRACTURE - some minerals may not have cleavages but exhibit broken surfaces that are irregular and non-planar.
7. SPECIFIC GRAVITY - it is the ratio of the weight of a mineral to the weight of an equal volume of water.
8. OTHERS - there are other certain unique properties of minerals that actually help in their identification (e.g. magnetism, odor, taste, tenacity, reaction to acid, ect.)