a streak plate??
2007-03-10 15:41:33 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
A streak plate is a piece of unglazed ceramic with a hardness of about 5 on the MOHs scale. Any mineral softer than that can be powdered on the plate.
2007-03-10 15:46:59 · answer #1 · answered by evokid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you rub the mineral against a porcelain (streak) plate. The resulting streak you obtain is actually a small amount of the powdered mineral. Of course, if you needed a larger amount you could simply crush it, using a mortar and pestle, if the mineral is soft enough.
2007-03-10 23:47:38 · answer #2 · answered by GatorGal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you mean the streak of a mineral, then yes, a streak plate.
You can generally use a substance harder than the mineral to grind it down but be aware that some minerals can be toxic if absorbed into the body so try not to inhale the dust and always wash your hands afterwards.
2007-03-10 23:47:21 · answer #3 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋