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Color is probably one of the least reliable properties used in mineral identification. There are many minerals which have the same color, and many minerals have more than one color. For example, hornblende, axi...

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13y ago
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12y ago

one or more minerals might contain the same color which would be a lot more confusing to identify

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Q: Why is color alone not a reliable means of identifying minerals?
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Related questions

What is the least reliable physical property for identifying minerals?

Color


Are colors reliable in identifying minerals?

Actually, it can't be that accurate because quartz can be found in a variety of colors. Streak is more reliable than color.


What is the least useful characteristic in identifying minerals?

color


Which mineral property is the least reliable for identifying a mineral?

the color is the least reliable source!


Explain why color is not a good test dor distinguishing between pyrite and gold what test is most reliable dor identifying these two minerals?

Because they look alike


Why is color often an unreliable property in identifying minerals?

because many minerals are the same color, and some minerals come in many colors


Why is a minerals color not helpful for identifying minerals?

Because some minerals have either multiple colors or their color may have faded away over the years


Is more reliable as a color as an indicator of a minerals identity?

Streak is more reliable!!


Which propety is generally the least useful when identifying minerals?

The color of a mineral is the least useful when identifying minerals. A mineral can exist in various colors. This is because presence of certain chemicals will change the color of the mineral. Weathering can also change the color of the mineral. Therefore color is not a good property to identify minerals.


What is another property in identifying a mineral?

The properties in identifying minerals are color,luster,hardness,cleavage and fracture,and streak.


Can most minerals be identified by color alone?

no, because many of the same minerals have the same color


Is a minerals streak more reliable than color in identifying a mineral?

While Minerals may share apparent colours, most do not share both colour and hardness, as well as the fact that the colour can be more accurately identified from the mineral's powder.