Lo mismo vs Igual

Question

I know their synonyms, but is there a general rule for when to use "lo mismo" compared to using "igual"?

Answer 1

"Lo mismo" I beleive should be used in the same capatity as the english word "same," while "igual" is roughly equivalent to the word "equal"

Answer 2

This was old, but I think there is a big difference, correct me if I am wrong, I am new, but these are both the word "same" but used in 2 very different ways.

I can have 2 identical quarters, one in each hand and I can say they are the same IGUAL, They are very simular or identical, but they are not one thing, I believe IGUAL is for simularities.

Where MISMO is "same" as in, the same one object, So if one of the quarters was evidence in a crime, you would want to have in possession in court the "same" quarter used in the crime. MISMO, the same one, not one simular to it IGUAL.

If I took 2 snapshots of the statue of liberty from same spot. I could put both pictures side by side and say the 2 pictures are the same IGUAL, but If I was talking about the statue, I would say both pictures show the same thing MISMO, the one statue.

At least this is how I have come to teach myself, please correct me if I am wrong.