The mineral you are describing is likely halite, which is commonly known as rock salt. Halite is colorless, forms cubic crystals, has a dull luster, and a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, which is softer than fluorite. Its characteristic cubic cleavage and lack of luster are key identifying features.
The mineral you're describing is likely gypsum. Gypsum is colorless, has a hardness less than calcite (can't scratch it), has a dull or pearly luster (no shine), and typically breaks apart into small grains or fine powder.
When a mineral breaks along a weakly-bonded plane, it is called cleavage. Cleavage is a property that describes how a mineral breaks along its crystal structure.
When a mineral breaks with rough edges, it is called a "fracture." This is different from cleavage, which is when a mineral breaks along smooth, flat planes. Fracture can be described as conchoidal (shell-like), uneven, or fibrous.
The mineral is calcite. It is a form of calcium carbonate that typically breaks into rhombohedral-shaped crystals. Calcite is a common mineral in various geological settings and has many industrial uses.
Lustre Colour Cleavage Hardness Streak Crystal Habit Specific Gravity Magnetism Effervescence Double Refraction Taste Feel
The mineral you're describing is likely gypsum. Gypsum is colorless, has a hardness less than calcite (can't scratch it), has a dull or pearly luster (no shine), and typically breaks apart into small grains or fine powder.
Calcite perhaps (although it does not form cubes).
Yes; Fluorite has cleavage; it breaks along flat surfaces in three directions.
Fluorite typically breaks in a conchoidal fracture pattern, which means it breaks with curved or shell-like surfaces. This is due to its crystal structure and cleavage planes. When struck, fluorite can also exhibit a brittle fracture, breaking into irregular shapes with sharp edges.
A mineral that breaks into jagged pieces exhibits fracture.
When a mineral breaks along a weakly-bonded plane, it is called cleavage. Cleavage is a property that describes how a mineral breaks along its crystal structure.
The way a mineral breaks is a better clue to its identity than are its color and luster.
When a mineral breaks with rough edges, it is called a "fracture." This is different from cleavage, which is when a mineral breaks along smooth, flat planes. Fracture can be described as conchoidal (shell-like), uneven, or fibrous.
Feldspar.
the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces is called a FRACTURE.
the manner in which a mineral breaks along either curved or irregular surfaces is called a FRACTURE.
The mineral is calcite. It is a form of calcium carbonate that typically breaks into rhombohedral-shaped crystals. Calcite is a common mineral in various geological settings and has many industrial uses.