Question

Suppose you have two mineral samples that look very similar; you know that they are different minerals. How many different characteristics would you need to test to differentiate the minerals?

Answer 1

When trying to differentiate between two similar minerals, several characteristics should be tested, such as color, hardness, luster, cleavage and fracture, crystal form, and streak.

Step-by-step explanation:

When trying to differentiate between two minerals that look very similar, several characteristics should be tested. Some of the characteristics that can be helpful include:

1. Color: The minerals may have different colors, which can be a distinguishing feature.
2. Hardness: Each mineral may have a different level of hardness, which can be determined by scratching the minerals against each other or using a Mohs hardness scale.
3. Luster: The way light reflects off the minerals can be different, such as metallic or non-metallic luster.
4. Cleavage and fracture: How the minerals break or split can be different, such as along flat planes (cleavage) or in irregular shapes (fracture).
5. Crystal form: Some minerals may have distinct crystal forms, such as cubic or hexagonal.
6. Streak: The color of the powdered form of the mineral when scraped against a streak plate can provide a clue.

By testing and comparing these characteristics, it is possible to differentiate between two similar-looking minerals.