Which of the following is NOT a physical property of minerals?

Question

A)hardness
B)cleavage
C)silicate structure
D)luster

Answer 1

C)silicate structure

That is only a property of silicate minerals. The other 3 are all properties of all minerals.

Answer 2

Hardness, Cleavage, and Luster are physical properties. We use physical properties to identify minerals and often physical properties govern the use of minerals. For example the mineral graphite breaks very well along one direction. As a result this mineral is an excellent lubricant. We might spray it in key holes to to help a poorly cut key to work.

Silicate structure is the intended answer to the question. First not all minerals have a silicate structure. The silicate group of mineral form large group of common "rock forming" minerals. Within that group of minerals the "silicate structure" does have direct impact on the physical properties of minerals.

Answer 3

c) silicate structure - that referes to silicon in the mineral, and though silicon is the most common mineral on earth it is not in everything

Answer 4

Not all minerals have silicon, so it can not be a property.
Hardness, cleavage and luster are physical properties of minerals.