GEOS102 LAB 1 DEFINITIONS

rock

A naturally-occurring multigranular aggregate of one or moreminerals/mineraloids

mineral

A naturally-occurring inorganic substance with a definite chemicalcomposition and a regular internal structure

crystalline

Having an orderly internal structure, made up of a regularly-repeating arrangement of atoms, ions, or molecules in 3-dimensions.

lustre

The way light interacts with the surface of a crystal, rock, or mineral (eg. glassy, pearly, waxy, metallic, non-metallic

hardness

The resistance which a smooth surface offers to abrasion

Cleavage

The tendency of a mineral to break along flat planar surfaces as determined by the structure of its crystal lattice

Fracture

the way a mineral breaks when it doe not break along planes

specific gravity

the ratio of the weight of any volume of a mineral to the weight of an equal volume of water

streak

The color of the powder produced when it is dragged across an un-weathered surface

diaphaneity

the ability of a mineral to transmit light (transparent

effervescence

reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Talc

1 on mohs hardness scale

Gypsum

2 on mohs hardness scale

fingernail

2.5 on mohs hardness scale

calcite

3 on mohs hardness scale

copper

3.5 on mohs hardness scale

Flourite

4 on mohs hardness scale

Apatite

5 on mohs hardness scale

stainless steel (paper clip)

5.5 on mohs hardness scale

Feldspar

6 on mohs hardness scale

window/mirror glass

6.5 on mohs hardness scale

Quartz

7 on mohs hardness scale

Topaz

8 on mohs hardness scale

Corundum

9 on mohs hardness scale

Diamond

10 on mohs hardness scale