Identifying Minerals

Identifying Minerals

Hardness

Color

Streak

Luster

Density

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How is a mineral identified?

Each mineral has its own specific properties that can be used to identify it.

Hardness- rate the hardness using Mohs Scale


Color- observe the unique color of the mineral


Streak- observe the color of the mineral's powder


Luster- observe how light reflects off the mineral's surface


Density- observe the weight of the mineral