Tenacity (mineralogy)

In mineralogy, tenacity is a mineral's behavior when deformed or broken.

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

1. Nesse, William D. "Physical Properties of Minerals." Introduction to Mineralogy. New York: Oxford UP, 2000. 122. Print.