Physical Properties

Additionally, the following physical properties are often utilized when attempting to identify and discern substances:

• Luster: the characteristic appearance of a mineral surface when reflecting light

• Mohs Hardness Scale: a ranking of minerals hardest to softest, wherein numbers earning a higher ranking can scratch or damage those with a lower ranking but not vice versa.

• Streak Test: the colored residue left behind when smearing a mineral against a porcelain or ceramic tile is indicative of specific composition. This crushed powder from the mineral may be a different colour than the stone itself.

• Volume: describes how much space an objects takes up. Volume can be measured through a measurement of the dimensions or by way of displacement of liquid.

• Density: describes how compact the atoms in a substance are, or, how much mass there is per unit of volume.

• Mass: the total amount of matter in an object.

• Weight: the human-perceived mass under the force of a specific gravity or under prolonged strain.

• Malleability: the capacity to which a substance can be shaped or extended due to force or forging without breaking or cracking significantly.

• Ductility: the capacity to which a substance can be stretched (withstanding tensile force without breaking) into a wire and still maintain conductivity.

• Conductivity: the ability to propagate electrical impulses reliably without changing its material composition.

• Cleavage: the specific pattern by which a mineral tends to break along flat surfaces.

• Fracture: the specific pattern by which a mineral tends to break along irregular or uneven surfaces.