A mineral is something in nature that is neither a plant nor an animal. Most rocks have two or more minerals. 【小题1】

First, look for color. Some minerals are light in color, while others are dark. 【小题2】 because many minerals have more chemicals that give them a different color.
【小题3】 Some minerals shine brightly. Others may look smooth. Still others may have a shining luster(光泽), like the inside of some seashells.
Third, look for how the mineral breaks apart. Some minerals come apart into thin, flat sheets. Others come into small cubes. Still others break up into pieces with different shapes.
Finally, look for hardness. 【小题4】 Some minerals are soft, so you can cut them with your hand. Others can be cut with a coin. Still others can be cut with a penknife.

A．Second, look for luster or shininess.

B．What can we do to discover a mineral?

C．You can discover a mineral by looking at its size.

D．You can test a mineral for hardness by trying to cut it.

E．But color is not always the best way to discover a mineral,