Match each physical property used to identify minerals with its correct scientific description.
- LusterThe way light interacts with and reflects from the surface of a mineral specimen
- CleavageThe tendency of a mineral to split smoothly along flat, parallel planes of atomic weakness
- FractureThe tendency of a mineral to break unevenly into irregular, jagged, or curved surfaces
- HardnessThe relative resistance of a mineral to being scratched by another substance
Answer
Luster matches the reflection of light from a mineral's surface; Cleavage matches smooth splitting along flat structural planes; Fracture matches irregular or jagged breakage; Hardness matches resistance to being scratched.
Each physical property reflects a specific diagnostic test used in geology: luster evaluates optical reflection, cleavage evaluates breakage along planar atomic weaknesses, fracture evaluates irregular breakage patterns, and hardness evaluates scratch resistance.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Diagnostic physical properties of minerals (luster, cleavage, fracture, and hardness)
Estimated Time:45s