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How do geologists study minerals?
Geologists are able to study the minerals of a rock by slicing the rock thinly and looking at a slice through a microscope. A thin rock slice is transparent. If polarised light is shone through it, the different minerals show up as various shapes and bright colours. The effect is like looking at a stained-glass window. Geologists and mineralogists can use these false colours to identify the particular mineral types in the rock.
Minerals are studied in a laboratory as well as in the field.
Minerals are studied in a laboratory as well as in the field.
 
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Rocks and Minerals