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Hardness and streak, because that's what we usually use for rock labs at my school. Our book describes the mineral and we usually use hardness and streak. We use color if we absolutely cannot figure out the answer. Hope this helped!

By: Zack

More advanced and accurate methods include X-ray diffraction mineralogy, optical light microscopy, electron microprobe microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.

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Is the most reliable way to identify a mineral by using a combination of test?

Yes, the most reliable way to identify a mineral is to use a combination of tests such as hardness, color, luster, streak, cleavage, and specific gravity. By conducting multiple tests, you can gather more comprehensive information about the mineral's physical and chemical properties, which can lead to a more accurate identification.


What is the most unreliable characteristic of a mineral?

Color is often considered the most unreliable characteristic of a mineral because it can vary widely even within the same mineral species. Factors such as impurities, alteration, and external conditions can all influence the color of a mineral, leading to inconsistencies in color as a reliable identification feature.


What is most reliable way to identify mineral?

The most reliable way to identify a mineral is through a combination of physical properties such as color, luster, hardness, cleavage, and specific gravity, along with chemical tests such as streak, acid reaction, and fluorescence. Using a combination of these methods can help accurately identify a mineral.


What is the most reliable physical property that can be used to identify a mineral?

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.


What is the most reliable way to determine the age of a rock?

The most reliable way to determine the age of a rock is through radiometric dating methods, such as carbon-14 dating or uranium-lead dating. These methods measure the decay of radioactive isotopes in the rock to calculate its age with high accuracy.

Related Questions

Is the most reliable way to identify a mineral by using a combination of test?

Yes, the most reliable way to identify a mineral is to use a combination of tests such as hardness, color, luster, streak, cleavage, and specific gravity. By conducting multiple tests, you can gather more comprehensive information about the mineral's physical and chemical properties, which can lead to a more accurate identification.


Why isn't color the most reliable method of minerl identification?

A mineral specimen's color can be affected by radiation or impurities. A better method would be to use the mineral's streak, the color of the mineral in powdered form.


What is the most unreliable characteristic of a mineral?

Color is often considered the most unreliable characteristic of a mineral because it can vary widely even within the same mineral species. Factors such as impurities, alteration, and external conditions can all influence the color of a mineral, leading to inconsistencies in color as a reliable identification feature.


What is most reliable way to identify mineral?

The most reliable way to identify a mineral is through a combination of physical properties such as color, luster, hardness, cleavage, and specific gravity, along with chemical tests such as streak, acid reaction, and fluorescence. Using a combination of these methods can help accurately identify a mineral.


Which mineral properties are most useful for identification?

Hardness and streak color are very important. The color of the mineral helps some, as well.


The mineral family that includes the most common and most abundant minerals smooth cleavage surfaces aid in identification?

The most common mineral group contains silicate minerals.


Are methods of execution reliable and practical?

Most methods of execution are fairly reliable and practical. However, they have inherent problems that stem from human error and political issues.


What is the most reliable birth control without getting your tubes tied?

The contraceptive implant and the IUDs are the most reliable reversible methods of contraception.


The mineral family that includes the most common and most abundant mineralssmooth cleavage surfaces aid in identification?

feldspar : this family includes the most common and most abundant of all minerals; smooth cleavage surfaces aid in identification


The mineral family that includes the most common and most abundant minerals smooth cleavage surfaces aid in identification hematite Kaolinite Kaolin?

Feldspar


What are the most effective methods for removing mineral deposits in toilet bowls?

The most effective methods for removing mineral deposits in toilet bowls are using a commercial cleaner specifically designed for removing mineral deposits, using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, or using a pumice stone to scrub away the deposits.


What test is most reliable for identifying pyrite and gold?

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.