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Each mineral has a characteristic density (or range of densities), so if the measured density is a close match to a mineral you know, it MAY be that mineral; if it doesn't match, it is something different.

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12y ago
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4mo ago

Density can help identify a mineral by comparing its density to known values of common minerals. By measuring the mass and volume of a mineral sample, its density can be calculated and compared to established density values of minerals. This can help narrow down the possibilities of the mineral's identity based on its unique density.

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Q: How can density help identify a mineral?
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Why does density help identify a mineral?

Density is a physical property that can help identify minerals because different minerals have unique densities. By comparing an unknown mineral's density to the known densities of common minerals, geologists can narrow down the possibilities for identification. This is especially useful when other identifying characteristics are not easily observable.


What would not help you identify a mineral?

tendency to float


What physical properties would be easiest to determine if you found a mineral specimen in the field?

Color, luster, hardness, and cleavage are physical properties that can be relatively easily determined in the field to help identify a mineral specimen. These properties can provide important clues about the mineral's composition and can help narrow down possible identification.


How does density help you identify a material?

Density is a physical property that helps identify a material by comparing its mass to its volume. Each material has a unique density, allowing for differentiation between substances. Measuring the density of an unknown material and comparing it to known values can help determine its identity.


How an unglazed porcelain tile can be used to identify a minerel?

An unglazed porcelain tile can be used to identify a mineral through a process known as a streak test. By rubbing the mineral across the surface of the tile, it leaves a streak of powder. The color of the streak can help identify the mineral based on its unique characteristics.

Related questions

Why does density help identify a mineral?

Density is a physical property that can help identify minerals because different minerals have unique densities. By comparing an unknown mineral's density to the known densities of common minerals, geologists can narrow down the possibilities for identification. This is especially useful when other identifying characteristics are not easily observable.


The density of a mineral is determined by its mass and?

volume. Density is calculated by dividing the mass of the mineral by its volume. This property helps identify minerals and is often used in mineral classification and identification.


Are physical properties used to identify minerals?

yes it is


What are the four main tests used to identify a mineral?

streak, hardness, density, luster.


What would not help you identify a mineral?

tendency to float


What is the density of a mineral sample?

The density of a mineral sample is a measure of its mass per unit volume. It can be calculated by dividing the mass of the sample by its volume. The density of a mineral sample is a characteristic property that can help in identifying the mineral.


A mineral has a specific gravity of 7.0 What does this mean?

A specific gravity of 7.0 means that the mineral is 7 times denser than water. It is a measure of the density of a substance relative to the density of water. This value can help identify the mineral and differentiate it from others.


How to cure low bone mineral density?

To help with low bone mineral density you should start by drinking more milk, and getting a calcium pill.


What determines the density and specific gravity of a mineral?

The density of a mineral is determined by its chemical composition and packing of atoms in its crystal structure. Specific gravity, which is the ratio of a mineral's density to the density of water, is a measure of how heavy a mineral is compared to an equal volume of water. Both properties can provide information about a mineral's identity and help distinguish it from other minerals.


What two ways can the appearance of a mineral help to identify it?

the color and streak or luster


What physical properties would be easiest to determine if you found a mineral specimen in the field?

Color, luster, hardness, and cleavage are physical properties that can be relatively easily determined in the field to help identify a mineral specimen. These properties can provide important clues about the mineral's composition and can help narrow down possible identification.


What mineral test leaves a line of powder on a plate?

The streak test is used to determine the color of the powder left behind when a mineral is scraped along a white ceramic plate. This color is often different from the color of the mineral itself and can help identify the mineral.