Question

What is the measure of how easily a mineral can be scratched? A) luster B) hardness C) cleavage D) fracture Use the photo below to answer question \(14 .\)

Short answer

The correct answer is B) hardness.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question is asking for a property of minerals that relates to their ability to be scratched or resist being scratched. This property is a standard way to identify and categorize minerals in geology.

Defining the Options

A) Luster refers to the way light interacts with the surface of a mineral. B) Hardness is the measure of how resistant a mineral is to being scratched. C) Cleavage refers to the tendency of a mineral to break along flat planes. D) Fracture describes how a mineral looks when it breaks in an irregular way.

Identifying the Correct Option

Based on the definitions, the property that describes the ability of a mineral to be scratched or resist scratching is hardness. This rules out luster, cleavage, and fracture, which relate to different physical properties of minerals.

Key concepts

Mineral Properties

Mineral properties are characteristics used to describe and identify minerals. These properties help geologists categorize and understand different minerals found in nature. Some key mineral properties include:

• Hardness: This property measures how resistant a mineral is to being scratched. It's identified through the Mohs scale of hardness, which ranks minerals on a scale from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Talc is the softest mineral (1), while diamond is the hardest (10).
• Luster: This describes how light reflects from the surface of a mineral. Luster can be metallic, glassy, pearly, or dull.
• Cleavage and Fracture: Cleavage refers to a mineral's ability to break along flat surfaces, while fracture describes how it breaks when those surfaces are not present. Both properties help reveal a mineral's internal structure.
• Color and Streak: Color identifies minerals by their appearance, while streak refers to the color of the powder left on a streak plate when the mineral is dragged across it.

Understanding these properties aids in the identification and study of minerals.

Geology Education

Geology education involves learning about the Earth's processes, materials, and history. It covers various topics, including mineralogy, which is the study of minerals and their properties. Geology students learn how to identify minerals by:

• Conducting experiments to test properties like hardness, which involves scratching the mineral against objects of known hardness.
• Using tools such as hand lenses and streak plates to observe and record properties like luster and color.
• Learning about the Earth's layers, rock cycle, and how minerals form under different conditions.
• Understanding how minerals are extracted and used in daily life, linking geology to practical applications.

Through this education, students develop the skills needed to evaluate minerals scientifically. It gives them the tools to conduct fieldwork, perform laboratory analysis, and contribute to geological research.

Mineral Identification

Mineral identification is a process used by geologists to determine the type of mineral based on its properties. It requires a systematic approach to observe and test minerals, such as:

• Gathering Data: Collect samples from the field or a laboratory setting. Ensure samples are clean and undamaged for accurate analysis.
• Testing Hardness: Use the Mohs scale to determine mineral hardness by scratching the sample with objects of known hardness.
• Observing Other Properties: Examine the mineral's luster, color, streak, cleavage, and fracture. This provides additional clues for identification.
• Comparing Results: Match observations with reference materials or databases to confirm the mineral type.

Successful mineral identification requires both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Understanding and recognizing different mineral properties is vital for accurate geological analysis.