Why do mineralogists use their senses to examine minerals?

Mineralogists use their senses to examine minerals because sensory observation provides crucial information about a mineral's physical properties, such as color, luster, and texture. These characteristics help in identifying and classifying minerals, as they can indicate specific chemical compositions and crystalline structures. Additionally, using senses like touch and sight allows mineralogists to detect features like cleavage and hardness, which are essential for understanding a mineral's behavior and potential applications. Overall, sensory examination is a fundamental part of the mineral identification process.