Admin Which test is not reliable in identifying minerals?
The color test is the least reliable test because many different minerals have similar colors. A similar test to color is the streak test. The streak test matches the color of the mineral’s powder. Interestingly, the mineral color and the streak color are often different.
Which test is more reliable streak or color?
Streak is a more reliable property than color because streak does not vary. Minerals that are the same color may have a different colored streak. Many minerals, such as the quartz in the Figure above, do not have streak. To check streak, scrape the mineral across an unglazed porcelain plate (Figure below).
Which is least helpful when identifying a mineral its color or streak test?
Color. Color is rarely very useful for identifying a mineral. Different minerals may be the same color.
Why is color not a reliable test for a mineral?
Mainly, you can’t use color ALONE for identification of minerals, because of two facts: many minerals are the same color as other minerals (there are many minerals which share the same color) and. many minerals exist in more than one color.
Why is color not reliable for identification?
Generally, color alone is not the best tool in identification because color can be highly variable. Some minerals can occur in a variety of different colors due to impurities in the chemical makeup of the mineral.
Why color is not a reliable means of identifying minerals?
Why is color considered to one of the least reliable properties used to identify most minerals?
Using color alone to identify a mineral could lead to an inaccurate conclusion. The hardness of the mineral, luster, cleavage, fracture, how it reacts to an acid, and other traits can be used to identify what the mineral is.
Why is a streak test better than color?
Streak is the color of a mineral’s powder. Streak is a more reliable property than color because streak does not vary. Minerals that are the same color may have a different colored streak. Many minerals, such as the quartz in the Figure above, do not have streak.
Why is color is unreliable for identifying a mineral?