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Streak plates with pyrite (left) and rhodochrosite (right). The streak of a mineral is the color of the powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. Unlike the apparent color of a mineral, which for most minerals can vary considerably, the trail of finely ground powder generally has a more consistent characteristic color, and is thus an important diagnostic tool in mineral ...
An example of a transparent mineral is muscovite (potassium mica); some varieties are sufficiently clear to have been used for windows. Translucent minerals allow some light to pass, but less than those that are transparent. Jadeite and nephrite (mineral forms of jade are examples of minerals with this property). Minerals that do not allow ...
This is a list of minerals which have Wikipedia articles. Minerals are distinguished by various chemical and physical properties.
Mineralogy applies principles of chemistry, geology, physics and materials science to the study of minerals. Mineralogy [n 1] is a subject of geology specializing in the scientific study of the chemistry, crystal structure, and physical (including optical) properties of minerals and mineralized artifacts.
The following tests are some examples of those that are used on hand specimens, or on field samples, or on thin sections with the aid of a polarizing microscope. Color; Color of the mineral. Color alone is not diagnostic. For example quartz can be almost any color, depending on minor impurities and microstructure. Streak
Rhodochrosite is a manganese carbonate mineral with chemical composition MnCO 3. In its pure form (rare), it is typically a rose-red colour, [ 5 ] but it can also be shades of pink to pale brown. It streaks white, [ 6 ] and its Mohs hardness varies between 3.5 and 4.5.
Lodestone is one of only a very few minerals that is found naturally magnetized. [1] Magnetite is black or brownish-black, with a metallic luster , a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6.5 and a black streak .
Feldspar (/ ˈ f ɛ l (d) ˌ s p ɑːr / FEL(D)-spar; sometimes spelled felspar) is a group of rock-forming aluminium tectosilicate minerals, also containing other cations such as sodium, calcium, potassium, or barium. [3]