What are some of the physical and chemical properties of minerals?

Minerals are classified on the basis of their chemical composition, which is expressed in their physical properties. This module, the second in a series on minerals, describes the physical properties that are commonly used to identify minerals. These include color, crystal form, hardness, density, luster, and cleavage.Click to see full answer. Consequently, what are the physical properties of minerals? The following physical properties of minerals can be easily used to identify a mineral: Color. Streak. Hardness. Cleavage or Fracture. Crystalline Structure. Diaphaneity or Amount of Transparency. Tenacity. Magnetism. Secondly, why is it important to know the physical and chemical properties of a mineral? Chemical composition and crystal structure determine a mineral’s properties, including density, shape, hardness, and color. Because each mineral forms under specific conditions, examining minerals helps scientists understand the history of earth and the other planets within our solar system. Consequently, what are the common rock forming minerals using their physical and chemical properties? Solubility and melting point are chemical properties commonly used to describe a mineral. The most common rock-forming minerals are quartz, feldspar, mica, pyroxene, amphibole, and olivine. The most reliable way to identify a mineral is by using a combination of several tests.How do the physical properties of minerals relate to what we use them for?Minerals have distinguishing physical properties that in most cases can be used to determine the identity of the mineral. Among the properties we will discuss are: crystal habit, cleavage, hardness, density, luster, streak, color, tenacity, magnetism, and taste. Crystal Habit. In nature perfect crystals are rare.