Final answer:
The two main categories of minerals are distinguished based on having either metallic or non-metallic luster, identification of which relies on the mineral's observable physical properties such as color, hardness, and composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two primary categories of minerals distinguish between minerals based on whether they have a metallic or non-metallic luster. This categorization is dependent on the observable properties of minerals such as color, hardness, composition, and texture which don't require advanced analysis in a laboratory setting. Minerals have distinctive physical characteristics that aid in their identification; for instance, the hardness of a mineral can be compared using the Mohs' scale, and the mineral composition of rocks can be identified using a hand lens along with other simple tests. Moreover, some minerals can be classified as polymorphs due to having the same chemical composition but different internal atomic arrangements and crystal structures. Identification exercises in geology education often encourage students to use these properties to classify minerals accurately.