Question

There are two physical properties of minerals that both result in smooth, flat surfaces with specific angles between them. The first property is externally visible and is the result of how the mineral forms; the second is inherently internal and is the result of breaking a sample of the mineral. These properties are called:______.
a) hardness and cleavage.
b) cleavage and hardness.
c) crystal habit and cleavage.
d) cleavage and crystal habit.

Answer 1

Answer:

Option (C)

Explanation:

A crystal habit is usually defined as the prominent external shape of an individual crystal or an aggregate of crystal. It characterizes the normal shape of a crystal and also its various crystallographic forms. It shows how these shapes develop and the study of these crystal habits helps in the identification of minerals.

A cleavage is usually defined as a planar structure that develops on the surface of the rocks, and these are the plane of weakness, along which a mineral breaks or has the tendency to break. These are formed due to the effect of deformation and metamorphism.

Thus, these two properties are crystal habit and cleavage.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).