A streak plate may be used to identify which mineral property?(1 point)
Responses
color
color
luster
luster
cleavage
cleavage
tenacity
color
A streak plate is used to identify the color of a mineral's streak, which is the color of the powdered form of the mineral. To use a streak plate, you need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain a streak plate: A streak plate is a piece of unglazed porcelain or ceramic tile, usually white or light-colored. It should have a smooth surface that can be scratched.
2. Perform a streak test: Take the mineral you want to identify and hold it firmly against the streak plate at about a 45-degree angle. Apply gentle pressure and move the mineral back and forth across the plate.
3. Observe the streak: Examine the color of the streak left on the plate. This color may differ from the color of the mineral itself. Some minerals have a streak that matches their color, while others may have a streak of a different color.
4. Identify the mineral: Compare the color of the streak to known mineral streak colors. Different minerals may leave streaks of various colors, ranging from white and yellow to red, green, or even black. By comparing the observed streak color to a mineral identification chart or database, you can determine the mineral property of color.
In summary, a streak plate is used to identify the mineral property of color by observing the color of the streak left on the plate when a mineral is rubbed against it.