Here's why:
* Vast Number of Minerals: There are thousands of known minerals, and the ESRT is designed to be a concise reference tool, not an exhaustive encyclopedia.
* Focus on Common Minerals: The ESRT primarily focuses on minerals that are commonly encountered in Earth Science studies, especially those relevant to New York State.
* Specific Properties: The ESRT lists information like hardness, luster, streak, cleavage, and crystal systems for selected minerals. These properties are important for mineral identification.
Therefore, while the ESRT is a valuable resource for identifying and understanding common minerals, it does not cover every mineral on Earth.
