Tenacity (mineralogy)
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In mineralogy, tenacity is a mineral's behavior when deformed or broken.
Contents
Common Terms[1]
Brittle
The mineral breaks or powders easily. Most ionic-bonded minerals are brittle.
Malleable
The mineral may be pounded out into thin sheets. Metallic-bonded minerals may be malleable.
Ductile
The mineral may be drawn into a wire. Obviously not easy to test. Malleable materials also may be ductile.
Sectile
May be cut smoothly with a knife. Relatively few minerals are sectile.
Elastic
If bent, will spring back to its original position when the stress is released.
Flexible
If bent, will NOT spring back to its original position when the stress is released. It stays bent.
References
- ↑ Nesse, William D. "Physical Properties of Minerals." Introduction to Mineralogy. New York: Oxford UP, 2000. 122. Print.
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