Weathering is the physical and/or chemical breakdown of existing rocks and minerals. It is influenced by temperature, the chemistry of air and water, organisms, and numerous other factors.
This page explains how minerals are identified through physical characteristics such as color, luster, streak, and hardness. Color can be unreliable; however, streak offers a consistent identification...This page explains how minerals are identified through physical characteristics such as color, luster, streak, and hardness. Color can be unreliable; however, streak offers a consistent identification approach. Luster is categorized as metallic or non-metallic, while hardness is measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale. Additional properties like cleavage, fracture, fluorescence, and magnetism assist in distinguishing minerals.
