Question

Geologists may choose to lick a mineral to identify it. What mineral is the geologist expecting with this test?

Answer 1

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a definite chemical composition and an internal crystalline structure. Different minerals are made up of different chemicals and a different crystalline structure. Geologists may choose to lick a mineral to identify it. A mineral lick, otherwise known as a salt like, is identified by licking it. It has a salty taste.  A mineral lick is made up of essential minerals and salts. They provide the biometals that animals need for bone growth and muscle development. 

Answer 2

The answer is NaCl (halite) or KCI (sylvite). This is because these minerals can be identified by the tasting with the tongue because they are common salts used by humans and which the body is well adapted to perceive. Nonetheless, caution should always be applied by the geologists due to the risk of tasting harmful minerals such as cadmium, and arsenic sulfides.