Minerals, the building blocks of rocks, possess unique properties that scientists use to identify them. Some of these key properties include luster, hardness, streak, color, and cleavage. These properties can be determined through simple tests. For instance, the Mohs scale test rates a mineral's hardness by its ability to scratch others. While the streak test involves rubbing a mineral against a piece of unglazed porcelain to observe the color of its dust. Through these tests, scientists are not only able to identify minerals but also discover more about our Earth's crust.
