Question

Which of these is the easiest mineral identification property to use when you want to know whether you have pyrite or actual gold?
a. heft
b. luster
c. streak
d. magnetism

Answer 1

Answer:

c. streak

Explanation:

Pyrite is a mineral that looks like gold but actually is iron disulfide.

Pyrite and gold have comparable luster.

Pyrite and gold have different tones of yellow. This can be determined by their streak. Streak is the powdered form of a mineral. A streak of mineral can be found just by rubbing the mineral on a rough surface and comparing the colors.

Pyrite is diamagnetic which is not a strong form of magnetism. Gold is also diamagnetic