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Each mineral has a characteristic density (or range of densities), so if the measured density is a close match to a mineral you know, it MAY be that mineral; if it doesn't match, it is something different.

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13y ago

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Why does density help identify a mineral?

Density is a physical property that can help identify minerals because different minerals have unique densities. By comparing an unknown mineral's density to the known densities of common minerals, geologists can narrow down the possibilities for identification. This is especially useful when other identifying characteristics are not easily observable.


Can mass help identify and unknown mineral?

Yes, mass can help identify an unknown mineral, but it is not sufficient on its own. By measuring the mass of a mineral sample and combining that information with its volume (to calculate density), one can compare the density to known minerals. Additionally, other properties such as hardness, color, luster, and streak are also crucial for accurate identification. Therefore, while mass provides useful data, a comprehensive analysis considering multiple characteristics is essential for proper mineral identification.


Can mass help identify an unknown mineral?

Yes, mass can help identify an unknown mineral, particularly when combined with other properties. By measuring the mass and calculating the density of the mineral, you can compare these values to known densities of minerals, aiding in identification. However, mass alone is not definitive; additional tests such as hardness, luster, and streak are also important for accurate identification.


What would not help you identify a mineral?

tendency to float


What physical properties would be easiest to determine if you found a mineral specimen in the field?

Color, luster, hardness, and cleavage are physical properties that can be relatively easily determined in the field to help identify a mineral specimen. These properties can provide important clues about the mineral's composition and can help narrow down possible identification.

Related Questions

Why does density help identify a mineral?

Density is a physical property that can help identify minerals because different minerals have unique densities. By comparing an unknown mineral's density to the known densities of common minerals, geologists can narrow down the possibilities for identification. This is especially useful when other identifying characteristics are not easily observable.


Can mass help identify and unknown mineral?

Yes, mass can help identify an unknown mineral, but it is not sufficient on its own. By measuring the mass of a mineral sample and combining that information with its volume (to calculate density), one can compare the density to known minerals. Additionally, other properties such as hardness, color, luster, and streak are also crucial for accurate identification. Therefore, while mass provides useful data, a comprehensive analysis considering multiple characteristics is essential for proper mineral identification.


The density of a mineral is determined by its mass and?

volume. Density is calculated by dividing the mass of the mineral by its volume. This property helps identify minerals and is often used in mineral classification and identification.


Are physical properties used to identify minerals?

yes it is


Can mass help identify an unknown mineral?

Yes, mass can help identify an unknown mineral, particularly when combined with other properties. By measuring the mass and calculating the density of the mineral, you can compare these values to known densities of minerals, aiding in identification. However, mass alone is not definitive; additional tests such as hardness, luster, and streak are also important for accurate identification.


What are the four main tests used to identify a mineral?

streak, hardness, density, luster.


What would not help you identify a mineral?

tendency to float


What is the density of a mineral sample?

The density of a mineral sample is a measure of its mass per unit volume. It can be calculated by dividing the mass of the sample by its volume. The density of a mineral sample is a characteristic property that can help in identifying the mineral.


A mineral has a specific gravity of 7.0 What does this mean?

Specific gravity is a comparison of the density of one material to the density of water (at 4 degrees C). When a mineral has a specific gravity (SG) of 7.0 it means that the mineral is 7.0 times as heavy as the same volume of water.


How to cure low bone mineral density?

To help with low bone mineral density you should start by drinking more milk, and getting a calcium pill.


What determines the density and specific gravity of a mineral?

The density of a mineral is determined by its chemical composition and packing of atoms in its crystal structure. Specific gravity, which is the ratio of a mineral's density to the density of water, is a measure of how heavy a mineral is compared to an equal volume of water. Both properties can provide information about a mineral's identity and help distinguish it from other minerals.


What physical properties would be easiest to determine if you found a mineral specimen in the field?

Color, luster, hardness, and cleavage are physical properties that can be relatively easily determined in the field to help identify a mineral specimen. These properties can provide important clues about the mineral's composition and can help narrow down possible identification.