Overall, the physical properties of minerals provide a reliable means to identify common minerals. However, certain properties can exhibit a range of characteristics or values making them less useful for identification purposes. Choose 2 physical properties that might vary to some extent between samples of the same mineral and explain why such variability might exist.

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Two physical properties that might vary to some extent between samples of the same mineral are color and crystal habit.

1. Color: Color is often one of the first observations made when trying to identify a mineral. However, it is important to note that the color of a mineral can vary. This is because minerals can contain impurities or trace elements that can alter their color. For example, the mineral quartz can appear in a variety of colors such as clear, white, pink, or purple, depending on the impurities present. Additionally, some minerals can also exhibit different colors when seen under different lighting conditions. For instance, the mineral labradorite can display a range of colors from blue to green to gold, depending on the angle at which it is viewed. Therefore, the variability in color of a mineral can be attributed to the presence of impurities or the specific conditions under which it formed.

2. Crystal Habit: Crystal habit refers to the shape and arrangement of the crystals that make up a mineral. While certain minerals have well-defined crystal habits, others can exhibit a range of shapes and arrangements. This variability in crystal habit can occur due to different environmental conditions during mineral formation. Factors such as temperature, pressure, and the availability of space can influence the way crystals grow and develop. For instance, the mineral quartz can form in a variety of crystal habits, including prismatic, blocky, or even in the form of a six-sided pyramid. The crystal habit of a mineral can be influenced by the availability of space for crystal growth, the presence of other minerals during formation, or the rate at which the mineral forms. Therefore, the variability in crystal habit within samples of the same mineral can be attributed to the specific conditions under which the mineral formed.