Physical Properties Of Minerals

 Physical Properties Of Minerals 

● It depends upon the kinds and arrangement of atoms in their crystal structure. The physical properties can be determined without the use of chemical tests.

● Ore processing make we of many physical properties of minerals. The difference in behavir between valuable and waste minerals affords the methods for their separation.

1.) Transparency:- The ease with which we can see through a mineral.

A.) OPAQUE

B.)TRANSPERENT

C.) TRANSLUCENT

2.) Lustre:- The lustre of mineral refers of its surface appearance. This may be defined as the amount and quality of the reflection of light from the mineral surface.

A.) METALLIC LUSTRE

B.) NON-METALLIC LUSTRE

3.) Colour:- Colour of mineral is due to absostion of certain wavelength of dight energy by the atoms making up the crystal. The remaining wavalenghts of the light that are not absolved give the sensation of colour to the eye. It is measured with the help of spectrometer.

● metallic minerals , generally are of constant colour unless same surface alteration or tarnish has occurred.

● Some metallic minerals may be recognised by the colour of their tarnish.

● Non metallic minerals usually vary in colour 

4.) Cleavage:- This refers to the property of some mineral to break every along any or more special direction , leaving a Smooth , flat surface e.g》mica , diamand .

5.) Fracture:- Fracture describes the appearance of the surface of minerals which have been broken across the planes of atoms. In contrast to cleavage , fracture is not related to special direction with in a crystal structure. 

6.) Hardness

7.) Tenacity

8.) Magnetic properties 

9.) Electrical properties 

10.) Streak

11.) Lumina science

12.) Specific Gravity

N.D........