Hardness and streak color are very important. The color of the mineral helps some, as well.
The most diagnostic physical property of a mineral is its hardness, which is measured on the Mohs scale. Hardness indicates how resistant a mineral is to scratching and can help distinguish between different minerals. For example, talc is the softest mineral on the scale (1), while diamond is the hardest (10). Other important properties include color, luster, and streak, but hardness is often the most reliable for identification.
1) The color of minerals (especially gasses) can change depending on the concentration of said mineral. The more diluted a mineral, the weaker or more washed the color will appear, which can change it's properties. 2) The color of a mineral can also be disturbed by impurities. Diamonds come in all kinds of colors because of microscopic differences within their individual constructs. 3) (just for fun) While "RED" and "BLUE" are univerally understood, "AQUAMARINE" and "CHARTRUSE" can be relative to the person, making them non-absolute.
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.
A rock containing a useful substance is called an ore. It's important to recognise that whilst a few ores contain metals (e.g. gold), most things referred to as metal ores actually contain metal compounds.
The most commonly used chemical property to classify igneous rocks is their mineral composition, particularly the relative amounts of silica and other oxides present. Two physical properties that can help identify igneous rocks are texture (such as grain size and arrangement of crystals) and color, which can indicate the mineral content and cooling history of the rock.
The most useful method to identify a rock is through its mineral composition, as different minerals have distinct properties that can help in classification. The least useful method might be color alone, as many rocks can have similar colors but different compositions. Other properties like hardness, texture, and structure can also be helpful in identification.
Some of the most useful physical properties of minerals include hardness (measured on the Mohs scale), cleavage and fracture (how a mineral breaks), color, streak (color of mineral powder), luster (appearance of a mineral's surface), and crystal habit (the shape in which a mineral naturally occurs). These properties help identify and classify minerals.
The most useful properties for identifying an unknown rock include its mineral composition, texture, and color. Additionally, its hardness and reaction to acids can provide critical clues. Observing these characteristics allows for comparisons with known rock types, aiding in accurate identification. Ultimately, a combination of these properties often yields the best results.
Density is the least useful property for identification because different specimens of the same type of mineral can vary in size. -Color is the least useful property for identification because it is the most obvious property.
In classifying rocks, there are many properties that can be useful. In my opinion, either color or texture is most useful in classifying a rock or mineral.
The most useful physical property when classifying a rock is its mineral composition. This includes identifying the specific minerals present in the rock and their relative proportions. By analyzing these properties, geologists can categorize rocks into different types based on their mineral content.
Mineral content
Luster is typically considered the least useful mineral property, as it does not provide much information about the mineral's identity or composition. Luster simply describes how light is reflected off the surface of a mineral, such as metallic, glassy, or dull, and can vary even within the same mineral species.
The property most useful for the identification of sulfur is its characteristic smell, often described as similar to that of rotten eggs.
The property of cleavage or fracture would be most useful in identifying the unknown rock. Cleavage refers to the way a mineral breaks along flat surfaces, while fracture refers to how it breaks when no cleavage is present. These properties can help to determine the mineral composition of the rock.
coal
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.