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A mineral crystal. Minerals form a crystalline structure.

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What is the difference between crystal form and cleavage?

Crystal form refers to the external geometric shape of a mineral, which is determined by its internal atomic arrangement. Cleavage, on the other hand, is the way a mineral breaks along specific planes due to its weak bonds in certain directions. Cleavage is a physical property, while crystal form is a visual characteristic.


Whether a mineral has cleavage or fracture is determined by the?

Whether a mineral has cleavage or fracture is determined by its internal atomic structure and the way in which it breaks when subjected to stress. Cleavage is the tendency of a mineral to break along planes of weakness, while fracture is the way a mineral breaks when no cleavage planes are present.


If Calcite will scratch gypsum This is an example of what physical characteristics?

This is an example of hardness, which is a physical characteristic that describes the resistance of a mineral to being scratched. Hardness is determined by the ability of one mineral to scratch another.


How does the internal structure of a mineral reflect in its physical appearance?

The internal structure of a mineral, including its atomic arrangement and crystal lattice, affects its physical properties like cleavage, color, luster, and transparency. For example, a mineral with a repeating atomic pattern may exhibit a geometric crystal shape, while another mineral with random arrangement may appear massive or granular. The internal structure also determines the mineral's hardness, density, and other characteristics that manifest in its physical appearance.


What is a mineral's ability to split along flat surfaces called?

A mineral's ability to split along flat surfaces is called cleavage. Cleavage is a characteristic property of minerals related to their crystal structure and internal arrangement of atoms.

Related Questions

Arrangement of the ions of a mineral into a pattern is what shape?

Arrangement of ions into a pattern in a mineral is referred to as crystal lattice structure. This structure gives minerals their characteristic geometric shape and physical properties.


Which is not determined by the type and arrangement of atoms in a mineral?

The physical properties of a mineral, such as its color, luster, or hardness, are not solely determined by the type and arrangement of atoms. While these factors do influence many properties, external conditions like temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities can also significantly affect a mineral's characteristics. Therefore, the environment in which a mineral forms plays a crucial role in its overall properties.


When a mineral forms a definite shape a mineral has formed a?

When a mineral forms a definite shape, it is known as a crystal. Crystals are ordered arrangements of atoms or ions in a repeating pattern that gives them their characteristic shape. Crystal shape is determined by the internal arrangement of atoms within the mineral.


Which mineral characteristic is NOT determined by the way the atoms within a mineral are arranged?

color, streak and age


A diamond is the hardest natural substance is this a physical or chemical property?

The hardness of a diamond is a physical property because it pertains to the material's ability to withstand scratching and abrasion. It is determined by the structural arrangement of its atoms and the strength of its covalent bonds.


What determines the chemical properties of minerals?

The elements that compose it and the arrangement of its atoms


Is a crystal structure an essential characteristic of any mineral?

Yes, a crystal structure is an essential characteristic of any mineral. Minerals are defined as naturally occurring inorganic solids with a specific chemical composition and a crystalline structure, which gives them unique physical properties. The arrangement of atoms in a crystal lattice influences the mineral's hardness, cleavage, and other characteristics. Without a defined crystal structure, a substance would not be classified as a mineral.


Why is the color or a mineral not a reliabe physical characteristic?

The same mineral can come in a variety of colors and different minerals can be the same color.


What is the difference between crystal form and cleavage?

Crystal form refers to the external geometric shape of a mineral, which is determined by its internal atomic arrangement. Cleavage, on the other hand, is the way a mineral breaks along specific planes due to its weak bonds in certain directions. Cleavage is a physical property, while crystal form is a visual characteristic.


The properties of a mineral crystal are determined by the arrangement of its particles and the?

types of atoms present in its chemical structure. These properties include hardness, color, luster, cleavage, and crystal habit. The geometric arrangement of the particles within the crystal lattice also affects its physical and optical properties.


Which is determined by the type and arrangement of atoms in a mineral?

Mighty fine question indeed! What determines the value of a mineral is the size, shape and the weight! Good luck!


What is a mineral characteristic is NOT determined by the way the atoms within a mineral are arranged?

I would say taste is the only mineral characteristic that can not be related back to the way the atoms are arranged within a mineral. NOTE: I would not recommend tasting a mineral unless you are 90% sure it is halite(aka table salt), as some mineral contain toxic elements.