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Because each mineral will have properties that when considered together will uniquely identify it. For example, I have two crystals, both are very hard, optically transparent, chemically resistant to acid and alkali, mechanically inelastic, brittle, electrical insulators, non-magnetic etc etc etc. One is green and the other is clear. One of them might be olivine and the other might be quartz due to their color alone. Other properties, if measured, could make me more certain, but I have a good guess already. The more properties you measure,the more possibilities you can eliminate until you have only one possibility to consider. The green one might be an emerald and the clear one could be a diamond. What property do I still have to measure? Try refractive index? That would clinch it.
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What are the seven characteristics used to identify minerals?
color streak cleavage fracture hardness transparency luster
Is specific gravity a way to identify minerals?
Minerals will have many different characteristics which can be used together to identify them.Density or specific gravity would be one element of the identification.You might also use: Color & Texture Melting Point Reactions with various chemicals. Identification of reaction products.
What three characteristics can be used to identify an animal as a mammal?
Mammals have hair or fur, are warm blooded, and deliver live young (with the exception of the platypus and echidna, that lay eggs).
Why cant color alone be used too identify most minerals?
Minerals can change color based on small impurities.
What 3 properties are used to identify surface features?
The 3 Properties That Are Used To Identify Surface Features Are Mountains,Valleys,And Rocks.
What are three properties used to identify minerals?
x-rays
What are the seven characteristics used to identify minerals?
color streak cleavage fracture hardness transparency luster
Is specific gravity a way to identify minerals?
Minerals will have many different characteristics which can be used together to identify them.Density or specific gravity would be one element of the identification.You might also use: Color & Texture Melting Point Reactions with various chemicals. Identification of reaction products.
Are physical properties are used to identify minerals?
yes it is
Are physical properties used to identify minerals?
yes it is
What is the following is used to identify common rock forming minerals and ore minerals?
cheese
How can magnetism be used to identify minerals?
Since some minerals are magnetic and some are not, that can be one of several criteria used to distinguish different minerals.
What are two items used to classify minerals?
Luster and composition are two characteristics used to classify minerals.
What properties are not used to identify minerals?
I think its Specific Gravity :)
Can a key be used to identify organisms?
by looking at its characteristics.
Magnetism reactivity and fluorescence are three special properties used to identify minerals?
yes it is part of identifying minerals. some are also color, streak, luster, density, hardness, etc. hope this helped!
What is used to positively identify minerals?
chemical tests and x-rays
