Physical Properties of

Rocks

The 6 Physical Properties of Rocks• Luster

• Texture

• Shape

• Size

• Weight

• Color

Luster• Definition of luster: the state or quality of shining

by reflecting light

Words to use when describing the luster of a rock:glitter

sparkle sheen gloss

Texture• Definition of texture: the visual and tactile (how it

feels) quality of a surface

Words to use when describing the texture of a rock:rough rigidsmooth softbumpy hardgritty

Shape• Definition of shape: a specific form

Words to use when describing the shape of a rock:

round circularoval squarediamond rectangle

Size • Definition of size: the spatial dimensions,

proportions, magnitude, or bulk of something

Words to use when describing the size of a rock:small large mediumtiny pea size

Weight• Definition of weight: the amount or quantity of

heaviness or mass

Words to use when describing the weight of a rock:

heavy dense volume sum piece pile bulk chunk

Color• Definition of color: the quality of an object or

substance with respect to light reflected off the object

Words to use when describing the color of a rock: bright, dull, and light… black charcoal grey brown tan gold silver yellow orange green blue red purple pink white