MINERAL NAMELUSTER (appearance)HARDNESSDISTINGUISHING PROPERTIES
PyriteMetallicSlightly harder than glassHardness greater than glass (H ~ 6-6.5); Brassy yellow color; black streak; Crystals commonly cubic; no cleavage.
GalenaMetallicSofter than glass3 perfect cleavages at 90 degrees, high density.
HematiteMetallic or non-metallic lusterHard to tell, but harderRed-brown streak.
HornblendeNon-metallic (black)Harder than glassUsually black or dark green; 2 cleavages at 60°/120° (56°/124°)
BiotiteNon-metallic (black)Slightly harder than glass1 perfect cleavage; Dark brown-black color, faint yellow-brown streak.
OlivineNon-metallic (green)Slightly harder than glassOlive green color; Granular; Conchoidal fracture; Hardness greater than glass (H ~ 6.5 – 7).
Plagioclase FeldsparNon-metallic (med. grey to light grey)Slightly harder than glass2 cleavages at about 90°; Striations (twinning) present; can be white to dark gray.
Potassium FeldsparNon-metallic (Pink to white)Slightly harder than glass2 cleavages at about 90°; Striations not present; can be pink, white (sometimes green).
QuartzNon-metallic (any color)Harder than glassHexagonal crystals; No cleavage planes; Conchoidal Fracture; Hardness greater than glass (H=7 on Moh’s scale).
MuscoviteNon-metallic (gold-clear)Softer than glass1 perfect cleavage; Colorless or silvery appearance, once used for window glass; Ke$ha likes it.
FluoriteNon-metallic (purple, green, yellow)Softer than glasssofter than glass; FOUR cleavage planes!
CalciteNon-metallicSofter than glass3 perfect cleavages not at 90° (rhombohedral cleavage); Fizzes readily when HCl acid applied.
HaliteNon-metallicSofter than glass3 perfect cleavages at 90°; Tastes like salt, feels greasy.
GypsumNon-metallicSofter than glass and softer than a fingernailGenerally clear to white; One perfect cleavage, may show up to 3 cleavages; Easily scratched with a fingernail.
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