Minerals - Physical Traits And Mineral Identification

Physical traits and mineral identification

Despite their great variety and complexity, an unknown mineral sample can often be identified by observing or testing for a few simple physical traits. A miner al's physical traits are a direct result of its chemical composition and crystal form. Therefore, if enough physical traits are recognized, any mineral can be identified. These traits include hardness, color, streak, luster, breakage or cleavage, specific gravity, and other properties. The results of tests are compared with tables of known minerals until a match is found.