Question

Which property is generally the least useful in identifying minerals.

A. Cleavage
B. Hardness
C. Streak
D. Color

Answer 1

Color is least useful in identifying a mineral because the color can vary in each form of the mineral. The most useful way to identify a mineral is streak.

Answer 2

Answer;

D. Color

Explanation;

• Minerals may be characterized and classified using unique physical properties such as hardness, luster, color, streak, specific gravity, cleavage, fracture, and tenacity.
• Color is one of the physical properties of minerals and is considered when identifying minerals. However, color should not be used as a major characteristic of identifying mineral. Therefore, it is the least useful in identifying minerals as two minerals may have the same color.