Question

A mineral that partially transmits light, such as Milky Quartz or Milky Calcite, is classified as:

• A. Translucent
• B. Transparent
• C. Opaque
• D. Diamagnetic

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Translucent

Mineral Classification Based on Light Transmission

Translucent Minerals

• Minerals that allow some light to pass through them, but diffuse it so that objects cannot be seen clearly, are classified as translucent.

• Examples provided include Milky Quartz and Milky Calcite.

• This property is related to the internal structure and composition of the mineral, which causes scattering of light rays.

Other Classifications (for context)

• Transparent: Minerals that allow light to pass through freely, enabling objects to be seen clearly on the other side. Examples include clear Quartz (Rock Crystal) and Calcite (Iceland Spar).

• Opaque: Minerals that do not allow any light to pass through them. Examples include Hematite, Pyrite, and Galena.

Relevance in Geology and Mineralogy

• The degree of light transmission (transparency, translucency, opacity) is a key physical property used in the identification and classification of minerals.

• This property is influenced by factors such as crystal structure, impurities, and the presence of microscopic inclusions within the mineral.