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The simplest way is to look at the rock. Many of the most common minerals are very easy to identify. Criteria like the colour, cleavage, hardness, luster, reaction to certain chemical and many other qualities give hints.

Most rocks are made of a quartz, calcite, and feldspars. These are fairly simple to tell apart. There are thousands of different minerals though (but most are very rare).

Also, under a microscope, thin sections of rocks can be made. Again the minerals all have unique properties that can be seen here.

If minerals are too small to you can use XRD (X-Ray diffeaction). This involves hitting a sample of the rock with x-rays and measuring the x-rays that bounce off. Each mineral has a distinct pattern for how it gives off x-rays interact with it, so the result gives an idea of which minerals are present and in what amounts

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Related Questions

What are some minerals you might find contained in rocks?

There are many non-minerals you might find contained in rocks include gypsum. You might also find non-minerals like halite and calcite.


How can you find out what minerals are in sedimentary rocks?

Examin it


What are rocks and minerals?

Rocks are naturally occurring solid materials composed of minerals, whereas minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with a specific chemical composition and crystal structure. Rocks are made up of one or more minerals, while minerals are the building blocks of rocks.


How can rocks be used to find minerals?

You can use rocks to find minerals because many minerals show up in certain kinds of rock. For instance, beryl can be found in schist or limestone.


What are some non minerals you might find contained in rocks?

There are many non-minerals you might find contained in rocks include gypsum. You might also find non-minerals like halite and calcite.


Where do we find mafic rocks?

Pertaining to rocks rich in dark, ferromagnesian minerals.


What is a scientist caled who studies rocks to find minerals and oils?

A scientist who studies rocks to find minerals and oils is called a geologist or a mineralogist. Geologists focus on the study of the earth's composition, including rocks, minerals, and natural resources like oil and gas. Mineralogists specialize in the identification and analysis of minerals found in rocks.


How do you use rocks to find minerals?

You can use rocks to find minerals by conducting visual inspections, hardness tests, streak tests, and even chemical tests like acid testing. The presence of certain minerals in rocks can indicate the possible presence of valuable minerals nearby. Geologists also use rock formations and associations to predict the likelihood of finding specific minerals in a particular area.


How are minerals different from rocks?

Rocks contain minerals in them and minerals are just the minerals themselves.


The 20 miners make up most of the rocks of Earth's crust are known as?

Rock-forming minerals are the 20 most common minerals on Earth. However, 10 minerals actually make up 90 percent of the Earth's crust. We refer to these 10 minerals as "grains".


How are minerals arranged in igneous rocks?

Most igneous rocks have a relatively homogenous mix of minerals which are interlocked.


how rocks related to minerals?

rocks are made of minerals