Mineral Identification Worksheet
A Grade 6 science worksheet covering key concepts and methods for identifying minerals, including hardness, luster, streak, and cleavage.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Mineral Identification
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Date:
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use your knowledge of mineral properties to complete the activities.
1. Which property describes how a mineral reflects light?
Hardness
Luster
Streak
Cleavage
2. What is the softest mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale?
Quartz
Diamond
Talc
Gypsum
1. The color of a mineral's powder is called its .
2. When a mineral breaks along smooth, flat surfaces, it is said to have .
3. The way a mineral feels to the touch is called its .
1. All minerals have a metallic luster.
True
False
2. A scratch test helps determine a mineral's hardness.
True
False
Match the mineral property to its description.
1. Hardness
a. How a mineral breaks into irregular pieces
2. Luster
b. A mineral's resistance to scratching
3. Fracture
c. How a mineral reflects light
1. Explain why streak is a more reliable property for mineral identification than color.