We've been learning about the properties of minerals over the last several days.

"The Physical properties of minerals are used by Mineralogists to help determine the identity of a specimen. Some of the tests can be performed easily in the field, while others require laboratory equipment. For the beginning student of geology, there are a number of simple tests that can be used with a good degree of accuracy. The list of tests is in a suggested order, progressing from simple experimentation and observation to more complicated either in procedure or concept."

Properties of Minerals
The following physical properties of minerals can be easily used to identify a mineral:

1. Color
2. Streak
3. Hardness
4. Cleavage or Fracture
5. Crystalline Structure
6. Magnetism
7. Luster

Today we used test kits and used those properties to try and identify mystery minerals.