The answer is nor reliable
i think softness and hardness
The most reliable clue in identifying a mineral is its crystal structure, which is determined by the internal arrangement of atoms in the mineral. Other helpful clues include its hardness, color, luster, and cleavage or fracture patterns.
The full form of hrA in terms of hardness is "Rockwell Hardness A." It is a measurement scale used to determine the hardness of materials, particularly metals, by using a specific indenter and applying a defined load. The Rockwell A scale is particularly suited for softer metals and non-ferrous alloys. It provides a quick and reliable assessment of material hardness.
Mineralogists often use the physical properties of minerals to identify them. The most reliable test in order to identify a mineral is the test for hardness.
Hardness is a more reliable property for identifying minerals because it is a physical characteristic that does not change with external factors. Magnetism, on the other hand, can be influenced by the presence of other magnetic materials in the environment, making it less consistent for mineral identification.
Streak and hardness tests are considered poor for identifying gold because gold has a distinctive yellow color that does not change when scratched (streak test) or when subjected to hardness testing. Gold is also a relatively soft metal with a hardness of around 2.5-3 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be easily scratched by many common objects, making hardness testing less reliable for gold identification.
The thickness of specimens for hardness testing should generally be at least ten times the depth of the indentation created by the hardness test method. Thicker specimens may not allow for accurate measurement of hardness due to potential effects of surface irregularities or variations in material properties throughout the thickness of the specimen. Additionally, thinner specimens may not provide enough material for the hardness testing equipment to produce reliable results.
The most reliable physical property to identify a mineral is its chemical composition. This is because each mineral has a unique combination of elements that make up its structure, which can be determined through chemical testing. Additionally, properties like hardness, cleavage, and specific gravity can also aid in identifying minerals.
Calcium carbonate is commonly used to express water hardness because it is a major component of the mineral deposits that form in plumbing and appliances. It is also a stable compound that is not affected by changes in pH, making it a reliable indicator of overall water hardness.
The hardness of Limonite is 4 t0 5.5 on the mohs hardness scale.
The scratch test is generally considered the least reliable mineral test because it relies on the subjective interpretation of how easily a mineral is scratched by different materials. This can vary based on the observer's application of pressure and can be inconsistent.
Copper and steel have hardness of around 3 and 6 respectively on the Mohs scale. You can use them to test any mineral, and roughly estimate its hardness. If it's scratched by copper, it's less than 3, if it's scratched by steel but not by copper, it's between 3 and 6, if neither copper nor steel scratches it, then it's above 6.