If the mineral has neither cleavage nor fracturing but occurs as an earthy mass, fibrous mass, etc., record these observations under Other Properties in the appropriate column. Determine the color of the streak of the mineral by drawing the specimen across a clean porcelain streak plate. The color of the powder may be white, light pastel or a darker shade, and is recorded in the appropriate column along with any adjectives which are necessary to describe the color. The streaks of minerals with nonmetallic luster are not as diagnostic as those with metallic luster. The white powder seen on the streak plate is powdered porcelain produced as the mineral scratches the surface of the streak plate.
Most nonmetallic minerals produce a white or light pastel streak.
Record the color of the mineral specimen in the appropriate column.