Name four characteristics that a mineral has, and describe each.

The 4 Major characteristics of a mineral are:
1. It is formed by natural processes, not man-made.
2. It is inorganic, it's not alive, it will never be.
3. It is a crystalline solid, a definite volume and shape with a repeating structure.
4. It can be an element or compound with a definite chemical composition, made the same each time with and orderly arrangement of atoms. 

Also another answer might be:
1.Texture
2. Hardness
3.Luster or shine
4.Color/Streak

Hope this helps.