Why does the streak not vary even if the color of the mineral varies? What makes a specific type a mineral a differnt color?

-- Philip R. Reitz (dscacci1@twcny.rr.com), February 12, 2001

Answers

Even though a mineral may show a promenent color, it will not produce a streak because it has a haardness greater than the streak plate, that is the main reason why streak and color do not relate directly. A mineral's color is determined by its chemical composition as well as by what it has been surrounded with. The environment that the mineral is in can affect its color and appearance.

-- Dan Lake (Danls1@aol.com), February 12, 2001.