Colour, hardness, density, scratch resistance, colour of streak, physical form of masses (glassy, botyroidal, adamantine, metallic ...), are a few.
Color: Observe the color of the mineral. Hardness: Use the Mohs scale to determine the mineral's hardness. Cleavage and fracture: Check how the mineral breaks. Luster: Determine if the mineral is metallic or non-metallic. Streak: Identify the color of the mineral's powdered form. Specific gravity: Measure the density of the mineral. Acid reaction: Test if the mineral reacts with acid.
The worst way to identify a mineral is by relying solely on color or appearance, as many minerals can have similar colors or appearances despite having different chemical compositions. Additionally, using taste or smell to identify minerals is highly dangerous and not recommended. It is important to use a combination of tests such as hardness, streak, and specific gravity for accurate mineral identification.
the least accurate way to identify a mineral
You identify minerals through a streak test. This involves taking the tile and the mineral to be identified and rubbing them together. This produces a colored streak on the tile, which can be used to identify the mineral. Consult a field guide for specific colors.
The observable color is the least dependable method of mineral identification.
the color and streak or luster
Color: Observe the color of the mineral. Hardness: Use the Mohs scale to determine the mineral's hardness. Cleavage and fracture: Check how the mineral breaks. Luster: Determine if the mineral is metallic or non-metallic. Streak: Identify the color of the mineral's powdered form. Specific gravity: Measure the density of the mineral. Acid reaction: Test if the mineral reacts with acid.
yes
Mass
yes
The worst way to identify a mineral is by relying solely on color or appearance, as many minerals can have similar colors or appearances despite having different chemical compositions. Additionally, using taste or smell to identify minerals is highly dangerous and not recommended. It is important to use a combination of tests such as hardness, streak, and specific gravity for accurate mineral identification.
Geolgy
you streak it on the ground
By the mineral color, streak color, luster, hardness, the property of the mineral, if it's fracture or cleavage and it's specific gravity. Those are just basic, so there's many other ways to ID a mineral.
the mineral that has a hardness of 7 is "Quarts
Being able to identify minerals is like being able to identify diamonds from quartz--The person that makes the right choice is rewarded financially. Correct information is the kingpin of mining.
the least accurate way to identify a mineral