Minerals, structure and diagnostic properties
Mineral identification combines structural and physical evidence.
Key knowledge
Mineral species are distinguished by composition and ordered atomic structure. Useful identification properties include hardness, cleavage, streak, lustre and density. Several properties together provide stronger identification than colour alone, which can vary with composition, inclusions or surface appearance.
Conditions and scope
- Solid solution, alteration and mixed samples can complicate identification.
- A field property comparison is not a complete chemical or crystallographic analysis.
Sources · 2
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Steven Earle — Physical Geology, 2nd edition, BCcampus Open Education2 sources
Evidence and review
Earle's mineral lattice description and diagnostic-property comparisons.
2026-10-10 · Checked identification scope without equating colour, crystal shape and chemical identity.
Entry details
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- University reference