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Glossary of Terms
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Bead test
Complex, scientific test which is conducted to identify a mineral. A mineral is crushed and mixed into a borax flux, and is heated until a glassy bead forms. The bead is then touched by the crushed mineral powder and one of several colors appears on the bead, depending on the metallic elements of the mineral. The colors are often different when heated with an oxidizing and reducing flame, as well as when the bead is hot and cold.




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