MINERAL PROPERTIES
and identification procedures
Minerals represent just another complex structure in this
greatly varied earth. There are endless amounts of studies that can be covered when
dealing with the topic of minerals. Minerals embody numerous physical properties, which
make them much more interesting and complex than commonly perceived. Several of these
properties are essential in mineral identification. With enough experience, a mineral can
often be accurately identified by simply viewing it. However, by conducting a few simple
tests, the identification procedure is exact and unmistakable.
Scientists identify elemental makeup by conducting complex test
with expensive equipment, such as x-ray and high powered electron microscopes.
They use these techniques to identify minerals. For the
most part, though, minerals can be identified by conducting a few simple, costless tests.
Once a person becomes experienced in this field, he can usually identify a mineral by
observing it and taking into account its specific features, such as color and crystal
formation.
Below is a list of all of these properties.
Select a property to learn about it, and how it is used as an identification procedure.
- Complex Mineral Testing Methods
- X-ray analysis
- Blowpipe Test
- Bead Test
- Flame Test
- Tube Test
- Acid Test
- Asterism
- Adularescence
- Aventurization
- Cat's Eye Effect
- Chatoyancy
- Cymophane Effect
- Dichroism and Pleochroism
- Iridescence
- Opalescence
- Silk Effect
