Color in minerals is caused by the absorption, or lack of absorption, of

various wavelengths of light. The color of light is determined by its

wavelength. When pure white light (containing all wavelengths of visible
light) enters a crystal, some of the wavelengths might be absorbed while
other wavelengths may be emitted. If this happens then the light that leaves
the crystal will no longer be white but will have some color.
Below is a list of some coloring elements and the
color they produce in at least one mineral:

•Iron, Fe, produces the •Copper, Cu, produces •Cobalt, Co, produces the

red color of limonite the azure blue color of  violet-red color in 
, (hydrated iron oxide azurite, (copper erythrite, (cobalt arsenic
hydroxide). carbonate hydroxide). sulfide).
Tenacity
• Tenacity describes the reaction of a mineral to stress such as crushing,
bending, breaking, or tearing. Certain minerals react differently to
each type of stress. Since tenacity is composed of several reactions to
various stresses, it is possible for a mineral to have more than one type
of tenacity.
• Brittleness- a mineral turns into powder
• Malleability a mineral can be flattened by pounding with a hammer.
• Ductility- A mineral can be stretched into wire.
• Flexible but inelastic-Minerals are bent but they remain in the new
position.
• Flexible and elastic- Minerals are bent, and they bring back to their
original position.
• Sectility- ability of minerals to be sliced by a knife.