Question:

Which of the following is not a diagnostic mineral property?

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Streak is usually more reliable than colour for mineral identification.
Updated On: May 19, 2026
  • Hardness
  • Lustre
  • Streak
  • Colour
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Diagnostic mineral properties help in the identification of minerals. Some properties are more reliable than others.

Step 1: Reliable diagnostic properties.

Hardness, lustre and streak are commonly used for mineral identification. \[ \text{Hardness, Lustre, Streak} \Rightarrow \text{useful diagnostic properties} \]

Step 2: Why colour is less reliable.

Colour may vary due to impurities, weathering or defects in the mineral. For example, quartz may occur in many colours.

Step 3: Final answer.

Because colour is not always reliable for diagnosis, it is not considered a strong diagnostic property in this context. \[ \therefore \text{Correct Answer is (D)} \]
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