Mohs hardness, luster, streak, cleavage — identify unknown minerals
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Mohs Hardness (1-10): Scratch resistance (talc=1, diamond=10). Luster: How light reflects (metallic, vitreous, pearly, earthy). Streak: Color of powder on porcelain plate — often different from mineral color. Cleavage: How the mineral breaks along planes. These properties help geologists identify minerals in the field.