Earth's resources (minerals, ores, and fossil fuels) have properties that make them important and useful.
Physical Properties
Characteristics that can be observed or measured without changing the matter's identity.
Examples of Some Important
Physical Properties:
Luster
Characteristic appearance of a minerals surface when reflecting light.
Moh's Hardness Scale
Is a scale ranking ten minerals from softest to hardest; used in testing the hardness of minerals to help identify them.
Streak
One way geologists identify minerals is through a streak test. A mineral’s streak is the color it leaves behind on a piece of white porcelain or ceramic tile - the color that shows is actually the mineral’s crushed powder, and it can be a different color than the rock itself. Hematite, for example, might have a red or black color, but it always leaves a red streak, so the streak test is a useful identification tool.
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Volume
Is how much space an object takes up. Volume can be determined by measuring the length, width, and height of an object.
Mass
A measure of how much matter is in an object generally determined using a triple beam balance.
MalleabilityCapability of being shaped or extended by hammering, forging, etc.
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DuctileCapable of being made into wire such as copper.
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The Ability to Conduct Electricity
Video Guide:
1. What were the physical properties highlighted in this video that were also included on this topic page? 2. Were there any physical properties highlighted in the video that were not included on this topic page? |
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Topic Tips
- All physical properties can all be observed without changing the substance.