MINERAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Running Head : MINERAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Mineral Physical Properties

Name

Institution

Introduction

A mineral refers to an inorganic element or compound that is naturally occurring in a solid state and has a specific chemical composition and a regular , internal crystalline structure . A mineral has a highly ed structure and particular physical properties . Some of the varying physical characteristics of mineral include color , lustre and habit

Color is the first physical property of minerals that varies between same mineral . Color is an apparent aspect in minerals but it proves unreliable

in identifying minerals . It occurs due to the minerals light absorbing and reflecting properties . The variability of color between the samples of the same mineral exists because color mainly comes about as a result of electronic alterations . For instance , quartz is found in different colors such as black , white , purple , pink , blue or clear . It is observable that completely varying materials may have the similar color

Secondly , lustre is a mineral physical property that varies among the same mineral . This refers to the amount of light that it reflects from its surface . A mineral may appear differently depending on the quality intensity or quantity of light that it reflects . The mineral for instance may appear metallic or sub metallic or may appear splendent shining or dull

Finally , the habit is another varying physical property . It refers to the crystal 's shape of the mineral . The habit is usually shaped by the conditions under which the metal grew . It is common for a...