Final answer:
The physical and chemical properties of minerals are primarily controlled by two factors: physical properties and chemical properties. Physical properties define the mineral's inherent physical attributes, while chemical properties dictate the mineral's ability to undergo chemical changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two criteria that predominantly control the physical properties and chemical reactivity of minerals are physical properties and chemical properties. Physical properties, such as hardness, boiling point, and the ability to undergo physical changes like melting or freezing, are driven by the mineral's inherent composition and don't change the state of the matter.
On the other hand, chemical properties like reactivity, flammability, toxicity, and acidity, direct the mineral's ability to undergo chemical changes, which involve a change in the substance's composition to create new matter. For example, the chemical property of iron allows it to combine with oxygen in the presence of water to form rust, while chromium's chemical properties don't permit the same change.
The study of these properties often involves the use of the periodic table, as elements in the same group tend to have similar chemical properties. This understanding is crucial in classifying elements as metals, non-metals, metalloids, transition metals, and more.
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