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Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Earth's Structure and Processes
Mineralogy and Petrology
1. Introduction to Mineralogy
2. Crystallography
3. Mineral Chemistry
4. Physical Properties of Minerals
5. Optical Mineralogy
6. Systematic Mineralogy
7. Introduction to Petrology
8. Igneous Petrology
9. Sedimentary Petrology
10. Metamorphic Petrology
11. Petrogenesis and Plate Tectonics
Physical Properties of Minerals
Properties Related to Light
Luster
Metallic Luster
Opaque Minerals
High Reflectivity
Nonmetallic Luster
Vitreous
Glass-like Appearance
Pearly
Iridescent Quality
Resinous
Amber-like Appearance
Silky
Fibrous Reflection
Adamantine
Diamond-like Brilliance
Dull or Earthy
Matte Appearance
Color
Causes of Color in Minerals
Crystal Field Effects
Charge Transfer
Color Centers
Mechanical Mixtures
Idiochromatic vs. Allochromatic Minerals
Idiochromatic Minerals
Inherent Color
Consistent Coloration
Allochromatic Minerals
Variable Color
Impurity-Caused Color
Streak
Streak Plate Test
Testing Procedure
Unglazed Porcelain
Diagnostic Value
Color Consistency
Identification Aid
Diaphaneity
Transparent
Light Transmission
Clear Visibility
Translucent
Partial Light Transmission
Diffused Visibility
Opaque
No Light Transmission
Complete Blockage
Properties Related to Mechanical Strength
Hardness
Mohs Hardness Scale
Ten Standard Minerals
Relative Hardness Values
Scale Limitations
Testing Methods
Scratch Tests
Standard Test Materials
Precautions and Techniques
Absolute Hardness
Vickers Hardness
Knoop Hardness
Tenacity
Brittle
Fractures Easily
Sharp Fragments
Malleable
Deforms Under Hammer
Flattens Without Breaking
Sectile
Cuts Like Soft Metal
Shavings Produced
Ductile
Draws Into Wire
Plastic Deformation
Flexible
Bends Without Breaking
Elastic Properties
Elastic
Returns to Original Shape
Temporary Deformation
Cleavage
Cleavage Directions
Crystallographic Planes
Number of Directions
Angular Relationships
Quality of Cleavage
Perfect Cleavage
Good Cleavage
Fair Cleavage
Poor Cleavage
Cleavage vs. Crystal Faces
Structural Differences
Identification Criteria
Fracture
Conchoidal
Curved Surfaces
Shell-like Appearance
Uneven
Irregular Surfaces
Rough Texture
Splintery
Sharp Fragments
Needle-like Pieces
Hackly
Jagged Surfaces
Metal-like Fracture
Parting
Causes of Parting
Structural Weaknesses
Twinning Planes
Exsolution Lamellae
Examples and Recognition
Corundum Parting
Pyroxene Parting
Density and Specific Gravity
Measurement Techniques
Pycnometer Method
Hydrostatic Weighing
Heavy Liquid Separation
Jolly Balance
Significance in Mineral Identification
Diagnostic Value
Compositional Indicators
Structural Relationships
Factors Affecting Density
Atomic Mass
Atomic Packing
Crystal Structure
Magnetism
Types of Magnetic Behavior
Ferromagnetic
Strong Attraction
Permanent Magnetization
Paramagnetic
Weak Attraction
Temperature Dependence
Diamagnetic
Weak Repulsion
Universal Property
Ferrimagnetic
Moderate Attraction
Antiparallel Alignment
Magnetic Minerals
Magnetite
Pyrrhotite
Hematite
Ilmenite
Testing Methods
Hand Magnet Tests
Magnetic Susceptibility
Electrical Properties
Conductivity
Metallic Conductors
Semiconductors
Insulators
Piezoelectricity
Mechanical-Electrical Coupling
Quartz Applications
Pyroelectricity
Temperature-Induced Charges
Tourmaline Examples
Other Properties
Taste
Halite Recognition
Safety Considerations
Odor
Sulfur Compounds
Arsenic Minerals
Feel
Greasy Feel
Soapy Texture
Rough Surfaces
Reaction to Acid
Effervescence Test
Carbonate Identification
HCl Testing
Safety Procedures
Dissolution Reactions
Staining Tests
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3. Mineral Chemistry
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5. Optical Mineralogy