7.9: Streak
- Page ID
- 5576
Overview
Streak is an easily detectable physical property. It refers to the color left behind on an unglazed piece of porcelain when a mineral is rubbed along its surface. A streak plate is included in your rock and mineral kit to test this property. Often a mineral will have a streak of a different color than the color of the mineral (for example, pyrite has a dark gray streak, Figure 7.16). Some minerals will have a white streak, which is difficult to see along the white streak plate. If you rub a mineral along the streak plate and do not see an obvious streak, wipe your finger along the streak plate. A mineral with a white streak will leave a white powder behind that will rub on your finger (Figure 7.17).