PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF

MINERALS
 LUSTER

• Is the way light interacts with the surface

of a crytal or mineral.
• The word traces its origin back to the
latin word “lux” which means light and
generally implies radiance, gloss, brilliance
or sparkle
 HARDNESS

• It is a measure of resistance of a mineral (not

specifically surface) to abrasion.
• This refers to the resistance of a mineral to
scratching.
• It does not refer to how easily the mineral is
broken.
• Hardiness is a measure of the bonding strength
 MOS HARDNESS SCALE
PRO CONS
• The test is easy • The scale is qualitative,
• The test can be done not quantitative
anywhere, anytime, as long
• The test cannot be used
as there is sufficient light to
see scratches.
to accurately test the
hardness of industrial
• The test is convenient for field
geologist with scratch kits materials.
who want to make a rough
identification of minerals
 SPECIFIC GRAVITY

• Tells us how many times the minerals is

heavier than water.
• Numerically equal to the density of
mineral in g/cm.
• Useful way to identify pure minerals
 CLEAVAGE OR FRACTURE

• CLEAVAGE Is how smoothly the minerals break.

- If the minerals break apart in similar pieces, it is
said to have good cleavage.
• If it breaks into like a piece of glass with uneven,
jagged edges, it is classified as FRACTURE.
• E.G. MICA Is an example with perfect cleavage in one
direction that is easy to produce.
• QUARTZ Is an example of fracture. It splits, it would
be broken in different shapes and sizes.
 ODOR

• Is a distinct smell of minerals that is

usually released from a chemical
reaction when subjected to water,
heat, air or friction.