Mineral ID - Key

1/14/2015 Mineral ID_Key
MINERAL IDENTIFICATION KEY
by Alan Plante & Donald Peck
We wish to make this key available to one and all in the hope of correct identification of minerals in collections, rock gardens, and on windowsills everywhere. You
may copy it, or any part of it, for noncommercial, personal use.
We thank Lloyd Brown, David Jacobson, and Alfred Ostrander. Their excellent advice and encouragement in this project was extremely helpful. © 2000, Alan Plante &
Donald Peck
Table of Contents
Section 1 Section 2
Introduction Organization of the Key and Redundancy
A Simple Identification Kit
Mineral Properties The Mineral Identification Key
Luster
Hardness
Streak
Cleavage
Fusiblity
Specific Gravity
Habit
Tenacity
Color
Luminescence
Radioactivity
Magnetism
Mineral Environments & Associations
In Conclusion
Introduction
This Mineral Key is designed and intended for use online. It is intended also to be used in conjunction with one or more other field guides to minerals: Once the Key
leads the user to one or more "likely suspects" details on them should be looked up in another book in order to make a final determination.
The premise behind this Key is similar to that of the identification keys found in some fern and wildflower books: An artificial key is used to direct the user to the
pages in the sections where further information on "likely suspects" are found. The information in the sections on mineral species is then used to narrow the choices
to one or a few "most likely" species. Then more detailed information can be found in a mineral guide to make a final determination.
Unlike most keys for wildflowers, this system for the identification of minerals is limited – both in scope and applicability. Only a couple hundred of the most
common or "usually seen" mineral species are covered. Users may well come across rare species which are not covered here. The system also requires good enough
samples of the minerals to perform the tests in the sections describing mineral species. It is probably not useful for the identification of microcrystal samples. Still, it
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can help narrow down the search by eliminating the more common species as possibilities. If a sample of some unknown mineral does not "key out" to one of the
common species, then further testing and research to determine its identity might be worth while. But the user is cautioned that every possible effort should be made
to key the sample out using this Key before looking elsewhere for help: Many common minerals have varied habits and other characteristics which might lead one to
suspect a sample to be something rare, when in fact it is a common species in one of its lessprevalent forms. A close read of guide book information may clue the
user in on such samples. Resorting to such things as sending samples in to a lab should be the last thing one does with an unknown. You should be quite certain that
it is a rare species, one not covered here or in a mineral guide .
Often a single series of field tests may not key the user in to the correct identification. The odds of making a correct identification will be increased if tests are
repeated: Take several streaks, especially if a sample is proving difficult to get a streak from), test the hardness more than once – and do tests both ways, trying to
scratch the known hardness tool with the mineral and trying to scratch the mineral with the tool. If possible, when examining samples for cleavage, look at several
samples – and try to use fresh breaks, cleavages which you – not nature – have produced. It is often a good idea to examine small cleavage surfaces using a 10X lens.
If the first try at determining a hardness is unsuccessful or ambiguous, perhaps the second, third, or fourth will do the trick. The same holds for other tests. Such
diligence to repetitive procedure usually pays off where a single try does not.
Finally, if the first run through the tests doesn’t seem to be leading you to the correct identification – try again from scratch. A second run through the entire
procedure may do the trick – maybe rethinking some aspect of the tests, such as whether or not the sample really has a metallic luster. In the end, care should lead
one to the correct identification for species covered in this Key. Also, practice may not always make perfect – but in the case of mineral identification the more you
practice the better you will get at it. So try running samples of known species through the procedure to get a feel for how the key leads one stepbystep towards and
identification. Practice, practice, practice…
[ Table of Contents ] [ Introduction ] [ Identification Kit ] [ Mineral Properties ] [ Environments & Associations ] [ In Conclusion ] [ The Mineral ID Key ]
A Simple Identification Kit
In order to use this identification key you will need to assemble an "Identification Kit". Here’s what you’ll need:
A piece of plain white paper (a blank specimen label works great.)
Your fingernails (preferable still attached to your fingers!)
A copper penny (or small –½ inch – piece of copper or short piece of heavy copper wire.)
A small piece of fluorite (a broken cleavage piece is fine.)
A pocket knife (NOT a Swiss Army knife – the steel in those is harder than in most cheap pocket knives, which can throw hardness tests off.)
A small section of a steel file (a 2 or 3 inch tip from a triangular file for sharpening chain saws works fine.)
A piece of a quartz crystal (with at least one good face and a sharp point a broken section usually has a sharp point on it somewhere, it doesn’t have to be a
crystal termination.)
A small piece of a beryl or topaz crystal (with at least one good face and a sharp point or edge.)
A small piece of a corundum crystal (with at least one good face and sharp point or edge.)
A "streak plate" (unglazed porcelain tile – a 2 inch square is plenty.)
A short candle stub and matches (in waterproof container) or a cigarette lighter.
A small pair of tweezers.
A small magnet (a refrigerator magnet is fine, but should be a fairly strong one.)
A 10x hand lens/jeweler’s loupe.
Blank specimen labels.
Pens or pencils.
Most of these items are for testing hardness, and there are more listed than the key itself requires. But when you get to the sections and have specific minerals in
mind the extra hardness tools will help you in determining whether or not your unknown has the specific hardness of one of the minerals listed. A hardness table is
provide below showing the relative hardness of the items listed. The streak plate is used for obtaining a colored (or not) powder streak of the mineral. Many
minerals give a different powder streak color than the mineral itself. (Such as black hematite giving its characteristic "rust red" streak.) The candle stub or lighter is
used for doing basic fusibility tests – will a chip fuse in the flame? The tweezers keep your fingers from getting burned doing the fusibility test! A magnet is used
for testing whether or not a sample is magnetic. A loupe is often necessary for examining broken mineral surface to check the cleavage. And figuring out what
mineral you have would be a waste of time if you don’t label the sample – and forget what it is by the time you get around to looking at it again.
The items can be kept in a leather pouch, a small plastic box – or anything that’s the right size and durable. But it is a good idea to keep the kit items together in
some sort of container. Then you always know where to find them when you need them.
Mineral Properties
Luster Hardness Streak Cleavage Fusiblity Specific Gravity Habit Tenacity Color Luminescence Radioactivity Magnetism
In order to use this Key and the test kit described above, you need to understand some basic principals of mineralogy. The most important are: luster, streak,
hardness, and cleavage. It also good to know a bit about such things as specific gravity, fusibility, mineral "habits," and the types of mineral "environments" different
minerals are likely to be found in – what types of rock, under what physical conditions. Brief discussions of the most important properties follow below. Any good
mineral book should have more detailed sections discussing them, and the user of this Key is advised to get one and read it before working with this Key and the kit.
Luster: A mineral’s luster is the overall sheen of its surface – it may have the sheen of polished metal, or that of an unpolished metal that is pitted by weathering –
or it may have the sheen of glass, or look dull or earthy, etc. Luster should not be confused with color: A brassyellow pyrite crystal has a metallic luster, but so
does a shiny grey galena crystal . Quartz is said to have a glassy (or vitreous) luster, but its color may be purple, rose, yellow, or any of a wide range of hues. The
different types of luster referred to are: Metallic, having the look of a polished metal; Submetallic, having the look of a metal that is dulled by weathering or
corrosion; and Nonmetallic, not looking like a metal at all. Nonmetallic luster is divided into several subtypes:
Adamantine, having the hard, sparkly look of a diamond
Glassy/Vitreous, having the look of glass;
Resinous, having the look of amber – not quite glassy;
Pearly, having the iridescent look of motherofpearl (though usually just barely);
Greasy/Oily, having the look of an oilcoated substance;
Silky, having the look of silk, fine parallel fibers of mineral – such as chrysotile "asbestos;"
Dull, having a plain looking surface that is not submetallic;
Earthy, having the look of soil or clay.
Certain minerals with a resinous or adamantine luster – such as sphalerite and cinnabar respectively – can appear submetallic. Care needs to be taken in deciding
which of these lusters a particular mineral has. Return to Key: Step 1
Hardness is a mineralogical term denoting how resistant a mineral is to being scratched. It should not be confused with a mineral’s overall "toughness." (Diamond
is the hardest known mineral, but it has a perfect cleavage and breaks easily along that cleavage.) Relative Hardness is used in identification by comparing the
hardness of the mineral to that of items with known hardness. Mohs Scale of Relative Hardness is used, and is presented here with the addition of a few common
materials of known hardness added:
1: Talc (softest) 6: Microcline
2: Gypsum 6½: Steel File
2½: Fingernail 7: Quartz
3: Calcite or Copper Penny 8: Topaz
4: Fluorite 9: Corundum
5: Fluorapatite 99½: Carborundum
5+: Pocket Knife 10: Diamond
5½: Window Glass
One tests for Relative Hardness by scratching the surface of a crystal or cleavage face with an item of known hardness – and vice versa, scratching the item of known
hardness with a sharp point, edge, or grain of the mineral being tested. Whenever possible, the test should be done both ways – first trying to scratch the sample,
then trying to scratch the item of known hardness, such as scratching a crystal face with a knife point and then trying to scratch the knife blade with the point or a
sharp edge of the crystal. Since some minerals may leave a powdered streak on the item being scratched (or the known hardness item may leave a streak on the
sample) one must rub the "scratch" with a finger to see if it is really a scratch or just a powder streak that rubs off. If a mineral produces a powder streak on the item
being scratched then it is probably softer than that item. (Conversely, if the item leaves a streak on the sample it is softer than the sample.)
Since the "scratch test" is very important to the identification of minerals every effort should be made to get a positive result – be sure that the correct hardness is
determined. With some samples, it may take several tries before one can safely conclude the sample’s hardness.
Return to Key: Step 2 Return to Key: Step 3 Return to Key: Step 5 Return to Step 7 Return to Step 10 Return to Step 14
Streak is simply the color of a mineral powder. Many minerals have a different color when powdered than they do in crystal or massive forms. The color may be
entirely different, or it may be a different shade. Quite a few minerals give a powder streak that is lighter in color than the whole crystal or massive pieces. A streak is
usually obtained by dragging a sharp edge, grain, or point of a crystal across a streak plate – which is simply an unglazed piece of porcelain tile, such as those used
in bathrooms and kitchens. (If you get your streak plate from a home improvement shop be sure what you get is unglazed porcelain – not plastic or some other
material.) A porcelain streak plate has a relative hardness of about 6½. So minerals of that hardness and greater can not be tested on it – they’ll only scratch it. Some
geologists use a file to test the streak of minerals with a hardness of 6 to 6½.
Streak plates tend to end up covered with traces of mineral powder in various colors. They can be "refreshed" by sanding them with fine emery sandpaper – 220 grit
or higher. Do not use a coarser grit, as it will roughen the surface of the streak plate.
Some minerals can be difficult to get a good powdered streak from. As with other tests, repetition usually pays off. Always try to use a sharp edge or point, rather
than just dragging the mineral across the streak plate willynilly. While some soft minerals give a streak easily no matter how you drag them, others will not streak
well unless you use a small surface area of the mineral to get the streak. Get in the habit of looking for and using a sharp edge, grain, or the point of a crystal.
Return to Key: Step 4
Cleavage refers to the way some minerals break along certain lines of weakness in their structure. Mica is a good example – breaking along very closely spaced flat
planes that yield thin "sheets." Calcite is another good example, breaking along three different planes that yield blocky fragments that look like a rectangular box
that has been warped – called a "rhombohedron" or, simply, "rhomb." Galena breaks along three planes at right angles to one another, producing true cubes as
fragments.
Cleavages are also described in terms of their quality: How smoothly and easily the mineral breaks. The qualities of cleavages are perfect, imperfect, distinct, good,
fair, and poor. Mica is said to have a perfect cleavage (in one direction). Calcite has a perfect cleavage (in three directions). Feldspars – such as microcline – have a
perfect cleavage in one direction and a good cleavage in another. Sphalerite has a perfect cleavage in six directions.
Cleavage may also be described in terms of crystallographic type:
cubic (galena)
octahedral (fluorite)
rhombohedral (calcite)
prismatic (feldspars)
pinacoidal or basal (micas)
etc.
These are usually referenced to what are called crystallographic forms, usually using a shorthand known as Miller Indices. This Key does not get that advanced, but
the guides many collectors use often have this information in them.
The main thing that needs to be considered in the identification of minerals is whether or not a sample has a cleavage – many minerals don’t, breaking without
producing smooth surfaces. Next is whether or not there are two or more cleavage surfaces present at angles to one another and, if so, the quality of the various
cleavages. Where two or more cleavage surfaces are present, it then becomes important to figure out which crystal form they represent – cubic, prismatic, and so on.
This is usually done by "guestimating" the angles between cleavage surfaces. Some are easy, like galena with its three perfect cleavages at 90 degrees to one another
being cubic. Others can be hard to determine and may require measurement of the angles. A device called a contact goniometer can be handy for doing this. It is
simply a protractor with an adjustable arm on it that is used to lay along one cleavage surface while the base of the protractor is laid across another. More
information on this can be found in some field guides and most mineralogy texts. One can also make simple line drawings on a sheet of paper of the various angles
common to minerals and keep the sheet in your guide. This can be used for making "eyeball comparisons" with the angles between cleavage surfaces on samples.
Byandlarge, cleavages at 90 degrees to one another indicate a cubic form, cleavages at 120 and 60 degrees in the same sample indicate a rhombohedral form, and
cleavages at acute to obtuse angles over long surfaces indicate a prismatic form – such as in feldspars. Nearly rectangular or sharp angles in prismatic minerals may
indicate a Pyroxene Group mineral or one of the Feldspars, while more open angles – approximately 120 degrees – may indicate an Amphibole Group mineral. (Not
all do, but these three groups are common and frequently seen, so seeing these types of cleavages is likely to mean you have one of them.) A single cleavage at 90
degrees to a crystal face indicates a basal form – such as in micas. See a good guide book for further information.
Return to Step 6 Return to Step 8 Return to Step 11 Return to Step 13 Return to Step 14
Fusibility is a measure of how much heat it takes to melt a mineral into a globule, or at least to melt the sharp edge of a sharp splinter and make it round over. Quite
a few minerals are easily fusible in the flame of a candle or typical cigarette lighter: A small, sharp, splinter held in the flame either melts into a globule or its edges
round over easily. So this can be a handy test to do; a candle and matches or lighter are no big imposition. Such minerals are said to have a fusibility of "1" or "2" –
though for our purposes the degree of difficulty with which a mineral fuses is not particularly important. Either it does or it doesn’t.
Other fusibility tests can be performed in the home workshop, using a blowtorch. It takes some practice, but it should not be too hard for most people to become
proficient at these tests.
Return to Step 9
Density and Specific Gravity are not properties easily determined, requiring special equipment; but a result of them, which might simply be called "heft" can come
in handy: The denser a mineral is, the heavier it is per given volume. A 1 inch cube of galena is noticeable heavier in the hand than a 1 inch cube of pyrite. A barite
crystal of the same size as other similar glassy crystals is likely to feel noticeably heavier. So do cerussite and anglesite crystals. So a mineral’s "heft" can be a clue
to its identity. With a little practice a collector can become quite proficient at judging the relative weight of minerals and using that to help establish a sample’s
identity.
In the home lab or workshop, specific gravity (S.G.) can be a very useful property in identifying minerals. Collectors should learn about S.G. and test for it routinely
when working on ""mystery minerals" at home. Any good guide or text covers this topic and methods of testing. Probably the easiest is using a standard triplebeam
balance, available from any scientific supply house – or perhaps through the local high school chemistry lab.
Habit is the general appearance a mineral tends to have – whether it is found as blocky crystals, long slender ones, or aggregates of some type, etc. If the crystals are
glassy and cubic in shape you know they aren’t quartz. If they are rounded like a soccer ball you know they aren’t tourmaline. And so on…
Distinct crystals may be described as:
Blocky or Equant – roughly boxlike or balllike, as in pyrite.
Prismatic – elongated with opposite faces parallel to one another, in which case they may be short and stout, or long and thin.
Bladed Long thin crystals may be flattened like the blade of a knife;
Acicular – needlelike;
Filiform or Capillary – like hair or thread.
Quartz and tourmaline crystals are prismatic, actinolite is often bladed, millerite is acicular.
Groups of distinct crystals may be described as:
Druzy – covering a surface in moreorless outward pointing clusters of small crystals, such as druzy quartz crystals.
Divergent or Radiating – growing outward from a point in sprays or starbursts, such as some hemimorphite exhibits.
Reticulated – interconnected like a lattice or trellis, such as rutile.
Dendritic or Arborescent – Slender divergent branch or fernlike clusters, such as some native silver crystals.
Compact parallel or radiating groups of individual crystals may be described as:
Columnar – stout parallel clusters with a columnlike appearance, such as some forms of the serpentine minerals.
Fibrous – aggregates of parallel or radiating slender fibers, such as chrysotile.
Stellate – long thin crystals radiating outwards in all directions, like a starburst or in a circular pattern, such as astrophyllite.
Spherical or Globular – compact clusters radiating outwards forming rounded, balllike, shapes.
Botryoidal – Globular or balllike clusters – like a bunch of grapes – that do not have internally radiating fibers.
Reniform – Radiating compact clusters of crystals ending in rounded, kidneylike, surfaces, such as hematite often exhibits.
Mammillary – large rounded masses resembling human breasts.
A mineral aggregate composed of scales or flakes may be described as:
Foliated – looking like overlapping flakes or leaves and easily separable into individual leaves or flakes, usually at least somewhat "wavy" in appearance, such
as the chlorite minerals.
Micaceous – Like foliated, but splits into very thin sheets, like the mica minerals.
Tabular or lamellar – Flat, platy, grains thicker than flakes or leaves, but overlapping like foliated, such as molybdenite.
Plumose – Featherlike sprays of fine scales, similar to dendritic but with a much finer structure, such as one form of native silver.
A mineral composed of grains is simply said to be granular. Granular minerals may be composed of rounded or semirounded grains, or of angular grains.
A few other descriptive terms are:
Massive – no crystal structure visible, though the mineral may be crystalline. Some massive minerals may also be granular.
Banded – showing different bands or layers of color or texture, as in some agates or some fluorite.
Concentric – in rounded masses showing layers around the mass in shells, working outward from the center, as in some agates.
Pisolitic – roughly peasize rounded masses.
Oolitic – masses of small round spheres about the size of fish eggs.
Geode – A rock with a hollow, roughly spherical, interior with concentric bands of mineral (usually agate) on the wall and possibly crystals on the interior
surface, pointing inwards.
Concretionary – masses formed by mineral being deposited around a nucleus, may be spherical or rounded but may also be a wide variety of other shapes.
A wide variety of other terms are also used to describe mineral habits. Usually they refer to loose associations with common objects or concepts and are readily
apparent when the term is used in context with the form present in the mineral at hand.
Tenacity refers to a mineral’s resistance to breaking, bending, or otherwise being deformed. A mineral may be brittle, easily broken or crushed to powder;
malleable, easily hammered into thin sheets (such as copper or gold); sectile, easily cut with a knife; flexible, easily bent without breaking and then staying bent; or
elastic, bending but resuming its original shape once pressure is released.
Tenacity is particularly useful in telling some of the metallic minerals apart. Gold is malleable, pyrite (and most other lookalikes) is not. Gold is also sectile and –
in thin sheets – flexible. Galena is brittle, while platinum is malleable and sectile.
Flexibility and elasticity can be useful with minerals that are commonly found as flakes or acicular crystals. Chlorite flakes and thin crocoite crystals can be bent,
and they will stay bent. Mica sheets bend and then snap back to their original shape when released.
Color is often a doubleedged sword in mineral identification: There are many minerals which have distinctive colors; but there are also many which come in a
variety of hues. And the same color can be seen in several different species. So one needs to use color as a criteria with care. That "malachitegreen" mineral may
not be malachite… That brassyellow metallic mineral may not be pyrite… It is always a good idea to try and get a powdered streak from any colored mineral and
compare it with descriptions of the streaks for the likely suspects you have in mind. It is also always
wise to consider the habit of the mineral in conjunction with the color. A green prismatic crystal with a hexagonal crosssection is more likely to be elbaite than
malachite. A brassy wedgeshaped crystal is more likely to be chalcopyrite than pyrite.
Color, in general, should never be taken as diagnostic by itself. While it may be for certain species, more likely than not it isn’t. Else the job of mineral
identification would be made easy.
Play of Color can be more helpful than the color itself. Characteristics such as opalescence, iridescence, chatoyancy and asterism are peculiar to a limited number of
species, or varieties of species.
Opalescence, as the word suggests, refers to an opallike play of light, reflections off the mineral
producing flashes of color that may appear somewhat like a patchwork of different "grains" of color that aren’t really there: Move the sample minutely and the
color disappears from that spot. It is sort of like taking a pearly luster to the nth degree.
Iridescence is similar to opalescence except that it is usually associated with metallic minerals and surface reflections rather than glassy minerals and subsurface
reflections: An exception is the type of iridescence known as labradoresence or schiller, found in labradorite and a very few other minerals.
Chatoyancy is the play of light off closely packed parallel fibers or parallel inclusions in cavities. The light reflects along lines – which may be straight or curved –
giving the mineral a somewhat silky appearance. This characteristic is seen in such minerals as "satin spar" gypsum, "tiger’s eye" (fibrous crocidolite replaced by
quartz), and chrysoberyl.
Asterism is a type of chatoyancy in which the fibers or inclusions reflecting the light are arranged in a pattern radiating outwards from a point producing a starlike
pattern. This is most often seen in rubies and sapphires, and sometimes in phlogopite mica that has rutile inclusions.
Luminescence is the emission of light by a mineral other than the reflected light of the sun or a lamp – the mineral "glows" due to some other reason. The usual
reason is reaction to ultraviolet light, though Xrays and cathode rays may produce it as well. The types of luminescence seen in minerals are fluorescence and
phosphorescence – two closely related phenomena. Fluorescence results from electrons orbiting the mineral’s atoms being excited by ultraviolet light; the electrons
"absorb" the energy and jump to higher orbits, then fall back to their original orbits – giving off light in the visible spectrum as they do. Phosphorescence is basically
the same thing, but continues for a time after the source of excitation is removed, giving off energy as visible light more slowly. The fact is that most
fluorescent minerals exhibit phosphorescence to some extent, though it usually can only be seen under careful lab conditions. Only a very few minerals
phosphoresce well enough to see in a simple darkened room, and the phenomenon is usually rather short lived.
Fluorescence is a useful field identification tool for collectors who have UV lights (and a thick blanket when in the field) Many localities have at least a couple of
fluorescent minerals, and some – like Franklin/Ogdensburg, New Jersey, USA – have a wealth of them. Where they are present, the UV light can be put to use in
identifying them.
Radioactivity is another property that, while not too common, is found in some minerals and can be useful in identification. Collectors who have a Geiger counter
may find it useful at certain localities, particularly pegmatites – where many of the more common radioactive minerals are found.
Magnetism is not too prevalent in minerals, but in those that do exhibit it the property can be useful in making an identification. Carrying a small but strong magnet
in a field kit is a good idea, even if it only gets used now and then. The only strongly magnetic mineral collectors are likely to come across is, of course, magnetite.
Some other minerals that may exhibit weak magnetism are pyrrhotite, ilmenite and franklinite.
A couple of other electrical properties found in minerals are piezoelectricity and pyroelectricity,
though they are not common. They are also rather difficult to test for and won’t be covered here. Anyone interested in them can find information in most texts on
mineralogy.
Luster Hardness Streak Cleavage Fusiblity Specific Gravity Habit Tenacity Color Luminescence Radioactivity Magnetism
Mineral Environments & Associations
Where a mineral is found – the type of rock in which it is found – and with what it is found – the other minerals that occur with it – can be as important to identifying
the mineral as its physical properties. While there is not room for much of this information in the Key, the collector should pay close attention to it when they
encounter it in field guides or other reference works.
Mineral Environments refers to the "geologic environments" in which minerals occur – the types of rocks in which they are found. While some minerals occur in
two or more environments, others tend to be restricted to a single environment. If you think you have found the mineral kyanite in a sedimentary sandstone and see
that it is a mineral formed by metamorphic processes you’ll know it can’t be kyanite. Try celestite… If you think you have found topaz in a cavity in basalt and read
that it is largely restricted to pegmatite you’ll know it isn’t topaz. And so on.
On a smaller scale, environments can vary over the volume of a single deposit. A lode of copper ores may have an oxidized zone, a hydrothermal zone, and a deep
primary zone. Each zone tends to produce distinct mineral assemblages. And figuring out what zone a mineral was created in leads to learning about mineral
associations.
Mineral Associations are simply that – what minerals occur with one another in what environments. Such as minerals like malachite and brochantite most often
being found with chalcopyrite and pyrite. Or secondary phosphate minerals being associated with triphyllite or lithiophilite. If you think you’ve found vivianite but
there is no triphyllite around, maybe that isn’t what you have…
So it is always a good idea to pay attention to environmental information and any associations described. Sometimes an identification can be nailed down with that
information – or one or more likely suspects eliminated by it. As stated above, this information is as important as the physical properties of the minerals themselves.
In Conclusion
As hinted at in the sections above, the collector needs to be careful about depending too much on any one or two properties or tests. While a mineral’s color, or
hardness, or streak, etc., may suggest a likely culprit, a systematic approach – followed methodically – is much more likely to bring you to an accurate conclusion.
Many collectors are well aware of the unreliability of "sight identifications" – deciding what a mineral is just by looking at it. Yes, many common minerals can be
identified that way with experience – but many more can’t, and every now and then something so identified turns out to actually be something else. Even chemical
and crystallographic tests have been known to fail to identify a mineral correctly. So it isn’t surprising that simpler techniques need to be used carefully in order to
get the best results; and sometimes, they too fail.
Finally, while this Key should help the collector correctly identify many minerals, it won’t work all the time. Common minerals are found in uncommon forms.
Some are closely mimicked by lesscommon or rare species. And, there is always the chance that a collector will find something that isn’t even covered by this Key.
If you find yourself correctly identifying 60% of the minerals you find, you will be doing well. And the odds are that the other 40% are species not readily identified
with this key – worked on in the home lab with other techniques, maybe even sent in to a professional lab in order to obtain a positive identification.
The trick is to do your best at each stage of the discovery process.
Organization & Redundancy
Beyond the obvious organization of the mineral listings into sections and subsections, there is a rough order of presentation which may help make it easier for the
user to key things out.
The main order of presentation is by key features of the minerals – luster, streak, cleavage, and so on. When the key leads you to a particular subsection based on a
key feature you then have to carefully try and match your sample to one or more of the descriptions listed in that subsection. Since some of the subsections have quite
a few minerals listed, an attempt has been made to organize them into groupings based on further refinements of the features. For example, if you have a nonmetallic
mineral with a colored streak and end up at subTable IIA you will see that the minerals are grouped according to color of streak – all the pinks to reds together, all
the oranges and yellows next, and so on. Then within a particular group they are listed roughly in order of increasing hardness – softer ones first, hardest last. So you
should be able to quickly eliminate anything that doesn't have the color streak of your sample and concentrate on those that do, and if you know the hardness you
may be able to focus your search even further, paying closest attention to those species with the same hardness as your sample.
Another example is the way subTable IIB1 is subdivided: all those that have cleavage in only one direction are first, then those with two cleavages, then those with
three. Note that the background color in the table changes with each change in the number of cleavages. Within each group they are again listed in subgroups by
color and hardness. So if you have a sample with cleavage in two directions you can quickly skip down to the listings for those and then home in by color and
hardness. In places, the subdivisions go even further – like all the Amphibole Group species of similar hardness being listed together.
Several subsections are organized first on Cleavage. In the tables you will note that different background color bands are used with different numbers of cleavage
directions. Thus, if you have a sample in which you see three directions of cleavage, it is easy to quickly skip over the minerals with only one or two directions of
cleavage and go directly to the group which has three.
Hopefully this organization – which is admittedly not perfect – will help you to refine your search and focus on the most likely minerals that match the sample in
your hand.
A number of minerals are listed in more than one place. For example, hematite is listed three times. This is because it has such varied habit and differences in its
properties from habittohabit that one might key one sample out to one place, but then key out a sample with a different habit and properties to another place. Also,
some species sort of fall on the dividing line between sections of the listings. Such minerals might key out to either section, so they are listed in both. And some
species may or may not exhibit prominent cleavage, keying out to different spots depending upon which is the case for the sample you have in your hand. Etc…
Hopefully this feature of the key will enhance the odds of keying out any given sample – no matter what it's particular properties may be.
Table of Contents The Mineral ID Key
The Mineral Identification Key
Step 1: Is the Luster Metallic or Submetallic?
[Go to Section I: Metallic or Submetallic Luster Key, Step 2]
[Go to Section II: Nometallic Luster Key (Soft), Step 4]
Table of Contents Luster
Section I: Minerals with a Metallic or Submetallic Luster
Step 2: Will the mineral leave a mark on paper? (Hardness less than 2½?)
[Go to Table IA]
[Go to Step 3]
Table of Contents Step 1 Hardness
Section I: Minerals with a Metallic or Submetallic Luster & Hardness Greater than 2½
Step 3: Can the mineral be scratched by a knife? (Hardness less than 5½?)
[Go to Table IB]
[Go to Table IC]
Table of Contents Step 1 Step 2 Hardness
Section II: Minerals with a NonMetallic Luster
Step 4: Does the mineral have a definitely colored streak? (Leaves a colored powder streak on unglazed porcelain?)
[Go to Table IIA]
[Go to Step 5]
Table of Contents Step 1 Step 3 Streak
Section II: Minerals with a NonMetallic Luster
Step 5: Can the mineral be scratched by a fingernail? (Hardness less than 2½?)
[Go to Step 6]
[Go to Step 7]
Table of Contents Step 1 Step 4 Hardness
Section II: Minerals with a NonMetallic Luster & Hardness Less than 2½
Step 6: Does the mineral have prominent cleavage?
[Go to Table IIB1]
[Go to Table IIB2]
Table of Contents Step 1 Step5 Cleavage
Section II: Minerals with a NonMetallic Luster & Hardness Greater than 2½
Step 7: Can the mineral be scratched by a copper penny? (Hardness less than 3?)
[Go to Step 8]
[Go to Step 10]
Table of Contents Step 1 Step5 Hardness
Section II: Minerals with a NonMetallic Luster & Hardness Greater than 3
Step 8: Does the mineral have a prominent cleavage?
[Go to Table IIC1]
[Go to Step. 9]
Table of Contents Step 7 Cleavage
Section II: Minerals with a NonMetallic Luster, Hardness Greater than 2½ & No Prominent Cleavage
Step 9: Will a thin splinter fuse in a candle flame? (Fusibility of 1?)
[Go to Table IIC2a]
[Go to Table IIC2b]
Table of Contents Step 8 Fusibility
Section II: Minerals with a NonMetallic Luster & Hardness Greater than 3
Step 10: Can the mineral be scratched by a knife? (Hardness less than 5½?)
[Go to Step 11]
[Go to Step 12]
Section II: Minerals with a NonMetallic Luster & Hardness Less than 7
Step 11: Does the mineral have a prominent cleavage?
[Go to Table IID1]
[Go to Table IID2]
Section III: Minerals with a Non Metallic Luster & Hardness Greater than 5½
Step 12 Can the mineral be scratched by a sharp quartz point? (Hardness less than 7?)
[Go to Nonmetallic Luster Key (Hard): Step 13]
[Go to Nonmetallic Luster Key (Hard): Step 14]
Section III: Minerals with a Non Metallic Luster & Hardness Less than 7
Step 13 Does the mineral have a prominent cleavage?
[Go to Table IIIA1]
[Go to Table IIIA2]
Section III: Minerals with a Non Metallic Luster & Hardness Greater than 7
Step 14 Does the mineral have a prominent cleavage?
[Go to Table IIIB1]
[Go to Table IIIB2]
Table IA: Minerals with Metallic or Submetallic Luster & Hardness of less than 2½: (Will readily leave a mark on paper.)
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes
1+ Darkred to Rustred HEMATITE Trigonal ocherous masses, granular, often as a pigment 5.2 exhibits a wide range of H. depending on form;
Vermilion Fe2O3 – "rust" – in rocks crystalline hematite is harder.
1 to 1½ Steelgrey to Black one perfect cleavage GRAPHITE Trigonal may be in small 2.23 has a greasy feel.

Ironblack C hexagonal plates
1 to 1½ Bluishblack Black to one perfect cleavage MOLYBDENITE Trigonal usually in somewhat foliated appearing 4.7 has a greasy feel; heavier than graphite
Greenishblack MoS2 masses, often leaflike hexagonal plate
1 to 2 Ironblack Black PYROLUSITE Tetragonal may be splintery or in radiating fibrous masses 4.7 Sometimes won’t mark paper.
MnO2
1½ Leadgrey Leadgrey one perfect cleavage NAGYAGITE Orthorhombic usually platy masses, may be granular 7.4 flakes flexible. Rare.
Pb 13Au 2Sb 3Te6S16 pseudo to
tetragonal 7.5
1½ Steelgrey Steelgrey one perfect cleavage TETRADYMITE Trigonal usually in foliated to bladed masses, acute 7.1 flexible. Relatively rare.
Bi2Te2S rhombohedral crystals rare to
7.4
1½ to 2 Silverywhite Grey SYLVANITE Monoclinic usually granular or in bladed aggregates, often 8 to May not mark paper. Rare.
(Au,Ag)Te2 appears as skeletal forms on rocks, resembling 8.2
writing (cuneiform).
2 Greyblack to Black to Grey BISMUTHINITE Orthorhombic in bladed crystals showing cross striations 6.78 similar to stibnite but heavier. Rare
Leadgrey black Bi2S3
2 Greyblack Bluishblack to one perfect cleavage STIBNITE Orthorhombic usually as bladed crystals showing cross 4.5 fuses in a candle flame, sometimes won’t mark
Silveryblack Sb 2S3 striations paper.
2 to 2½ Greyblack to Black ACANTHITE Isometric pseudocubic, usually massive 7.3 brightsteelgrey on fresh surfaces but darkens

Leadgrey upon exposure, easily cut with a knife (sectile).
Ag 2S Sometimes won’t mark paper
2 to 2½ Ironblack Ironblack STEPHANITE Orthorhombic usually massive, more rarely as short prismatic 6.2 Rare

Ag 5SbS4 to tabular crystals to
6.5

2 to 2½ Brightred Brightred to one perfect CINNABAR Trigonal usually in granular masses 8.1 luster actually adamantine, sometimes appearing
Deepred HgS submetallic to metallic, May not mark paper.
2 to 2½ Brownishred Deep Rubyred PYRARGYRITE/ Trigonal 5.57 isostructural species difficult to distinguish,
to Scarlet or to Bright Ruby PROUSTITE to though pyrargyrite is usually darker in color and
Vermilion red Ag 3(Sb,As)S3 5.58 more common than proustite. Rare.
2 to 2½ Silverywhite Silverywhite BISMUTH Trigonal usually in laminated granular masses, may be 9.8 heavy. Rare. May not mark paper.

with decidedly Bi arborescent or reticulated, artificial crystals in
reddish tones pseudocubic "hopper" groups
2½ Brassyellow Yellowish to CALAVERITE Monoclinic usually granular, rarely in distinct elongated 9.35 very heavy, easily fusible in candle
to Silvery Greenishgrey AuTe2 crystals flame. (May not mark paper.) Rare.
white
2½ Greyblack to Bluishblack to perfect cleavage in GALENA Isometric usually in cubic crystals or masses exhibiting 7.6 Sometimes won’t mark paper
Black Leadgrey three directions at 90 o PbS cubic cleavage, also in granular masses.
to each other
2 to 3 Black Black one imperfect POLYBASITE Monoclinic, usually massive or in crude pseudohexagonal 6.1 Rare
cleavage (Ag,Cu)16Sb 2S11 pseudo plates to
hexagonal 6.2
Table of Contents Return to Step 2
Table IB: Minerals with Metallic or Submetallic Luster & Hardness greater than 2½, but less than 5½: (Will not easily mark paper, but can be scratched with a pocket
knife.)
1 to 2 Ironblack Black PYROLUSITE Tetragonal may be splintery or in radiating 4.7 Will sometimes mark paper
MnO2 fibrous masses
1½ to 2 Silverywhite Grey SYLVANITE Monoclinic usually granular or in bladed 8 to May mark paper.

(Au,Ag)Te2 aggregates, often appears as skeletal 8.2 Rare
forms on rocks, resembling writing
(cuneiform)
1½ to 2 Metallicblue, tarnishes Black COVELLITE Trigonal platy masses or thin sixsided platy 4.6 may be somewhat iridescent,
to blueblack CuS crystals turns metallicpurple when wet.
Will sometimes mark paper.

2 Bluishblack to Silvery Greyblack one perfect cleavage STIBNITE Orthorhombic usually as bladed crystals showing 4.5 fuses in a candle flame. Will
black Sb 2S3 cross striations sometimes mark paper.
2 to 2½ Deep Rubyred to Bright Brownishred to PYRARGYRITE/ Trigonal Prismatic, pyramidal, 5.58 isostructural species difficult to
Rubyred Scarlet or PROUSTITE; rhombohedral,and scalenohedral (pyrargyrite), distinguish, though pyrargyrite
Vermilion Ag 3(Sb,As)S3 crystals , also massive 5.57 is usually darker in color and
(proustite) more common than proustite,
fusible in a candle flame. Rare.
2 to 2½ Greyblack to Leadgrey Black ACANTHITE Isometric pseudocubic, usually massive 7.3 bright steelgrey on fresh
Ag 2S surfaces but darkens upon
exposure, easily cut with a knife
(sectile). Will usually mark
paper.
2½ Bluishblack to Lead GreyBlack to perfect cleavage in three GALENA Isometric usually in cubic crystals or masses 7.6 Will usually mark paper
grey Black directions at 90 o to each PbS exhibiting cubic cleavage, also in
other granular masses
2½ Brassyellow to Silvery Yellowish to CALAVERITE Monoclinic usually granular, rarely in distinct 9.35 very heavy, easily fusible in a

white Greenishgrey AuTe2 elongated crystals candle flame. May mark paper.
Rare.
2 to 3 Greyblack Black JAMESONITE Monoclinic usually in fibrous feathery masses 5.5 to 6.0 fuses easily in a candle flame.
Pb 4FeSb 6S14
2½ to 3 Greyblack Grey to Black BOURNONITE Orthorhombic usually in stout prismatic crystals 5.8 to 5.9 fuses easily in a candle flame
PbCuSbS3 often as intergrown clusters with
twinning exhibited by reentrant
angles
2½ to 3 Steelgrey, may tarnish Grey to Black CHALCOCITE Monoclinic, usually in compact masses, crystals 5.7
to black on exposure Cu 2S pseudo tabular to stoutly prismatic, often
orthorhombic with a pseudohexagonal outline,
vertically striated.
2½ to 3 Dark metallic Blue to Black DIGENITE Isometric usually massive as small to tiny 5.5 to 5.7 Very similar to chalcocite, but
Black Cu 2S irregular grains, very rarely as much rarer in nonmicroscopic
octahedral crystals sizes.
2½ to 3 Steelgrey, tarnishes Dark steelgrey STROMEYERITE Orthorhombic, usually massive, granular, rarely as 6.2 to 6.3 Rare
metallic blue AgCuS pseudo pseudohexagonal prismatic crystals
hexagonal

2½ to 3 Leadgrey Brown to brownish BOULANGERITE Monoclinic usually massive as fibrous bundles, 6.0 to 6.3 thin acicular crystals flexible.
grey Pb 5Sb 4S11 crystals usually needlelike mats, Rare.
prismatic crystals rarer
2½ to 3 Darkred to Vermilion Darkred CINNABAR Trigonal usually massive, crystals uncommon 8.10 luster actually adamantine,
HgS and usually rhombohedral, often as appearing metallic, heavy
penetration twins
2½ to 3 Copperred on fresh Copperyred, shiny COPPER Isometric usually in irregular masses, large 8.9 malleable
surfaces, tarnishes to Cu grains, wires, and crude dendritic
brown or black crystals, crystals usually octahedral
and malformed, may be cubic or other
Isometric forms
2½ to 3 Deep goldenyellow Goldenyellow, GOLD Isometric usually massive in irregular grains, 15.0 to 19.3 malleable, very heavy! Rare.
shiny Au nuggets, "leaves" and "flakes,", Distinguished from pyrite –
crystals often wires crudely dendritic "fools gold" – by its
or as malformed octahedrons malleability, softness and
weight.
2½ to 3 Silverywhite, Silverywhite, SILVER Isometric usually massive as irregular grains, 10.5 malleable, heavy. Rare. May
tarnishes black shiny Ag wire crystals and dendritic mark paper.
3 Greyblack Black perfect and distinct ENARGITE Orthorhombic usually in bladed masses 4.4 crystals vertically striated
cleavages at angles to Cu 3AsS4
one another
3 Brownishbronze on Greyblack BORNITE Orthorhombic, crystals usually pseudocubic, usually 5.1 thin splinters fusible in a candle
fresh surfaces, tarnishing Cu 5FeS4 pseudo massive flame, giving a brittle magnetic
to metallic purple, tetrahedral globule.
iridescent ("peacock
ore")
3 to 3½ Brassyellow Black, sometimes MILLERITE Trigonal usually in radiating groups or mats of 5.5 slender crystals usually have a
with a greenish NiS needlelike to hairlike crystals greenish tinge
tinge
3 to 3½ Steelgrey Steelgrey one indistinct cleavage ZINKENITE Hexagonal usually massive, also in columnar and 5.2 to 5.3 Rare
Pb 9Sb 22S42 radiating fibrous aggregates of
needlelike crystals
3 to 3½ Tinwhite Silverygrey, shiny ANTIMONY Trigonal usually massive, foliated, or 6.6 to 6.7 very brittle
Sb granular,rarely as pseudocubic or
thick tabular crystals

3 to 4½ Steelgrey, may tarnish Black (may be TETRAHEDRITE Isometric usually massive or granular, crystals 4.6 to 5.1 End members difficult to
dead black upon Brownishblack) TENNANTITE uncommon and usually pseudo distinguish without subtle tests
exposure (Cu,Fe,)12Sb 4S13 tetrahedral – an S.G. above 4.7 is
conclusive for tetrahedrite.
3½ Tinwhite, tarnishing to Greyblack ARSENIC Trigonal usually found in botryoidal fibrous 5.7 heated in candle flame it gives
Darkgrey As masses off white fumes that have a
strong garlic odor (poisonous!)
Rare
3½ to 4 Brownishbronze to Black no cleavage but large PENTLANDITE Isometric usually massive in granular 4.6 to 5.0 resembles pyrrhotite but is not
Bronzeyellow grains exhibit an (Fe,Ni)9S8 aggregates magnetic, often mixed with
octahedral parting pyrrhotite
3½ to 4 Brassyellow, often Black CHALCOPYRITE Tetragonal usually massive, crystals blocky 4.1 to 4.3 often mixed with pyrite, making
iridescent CuFeS2 tetrahedrons or wedgeshaped. a hardness test inconclusive;
distinguished from pyrite by
softness and shape of crystals.
3½ to 4 Brown to Black Brown good cleavage in one WURTZITE Hexagonal usually massive and as banded 4.0 to 4.1 Rare
direction, poor in another ZnS botryoidal crusts, more rarely as
direction pyramidal hemimorphic crystals
3½ to 4 Darkbrown to black, Dark to Light perfect cleavage in six SPHALERITE Isometric usually in compact crystalline masses, 3.9 to 4.1 luster actually resinous,
sometimes Oliveyellow brown: streak directions at angles to ZnS crystals usually blocky pyramidal, appearing metallic or
or Red to Reddishblack usually lighter than one another,three appearing tetrahedral submetallic
the color of the directions usually
sample prominent
3½ to 4 Rubyred to Reddish Brownishred CUPRITE Isometric usually massive, crystals usually 6.0 luster may be adamantine rather
brown Cu 2O cubes or octahedrons than metallic in crystals
3½ to 4 Black Green one perfect cleavage ALABANDITE Isometric usually massive or granular. 4.0 to 4.1

MnS
4 Brownishbronze to Greyblack PYRRHOTITE Monoclinic usually massive, crystals as pseudo 4.6 to 4.7 magnetic, though may be weak
Bronzeyellow Fe1xS pseudo hexagonal plates
hexagonal
4 Steelgrey to Ironblack Black indistinct cleavage in two STANNITE Tetragonal usually massive, rarely as pseudo 4.3 to 4.5 Rare

directions Cu 2FeSnS4 octahedral crystals
4 Steelgrey to Ironblack Dark reddishbrown MANGANITE Monoclinic, usually in radiating fibrous masses, 4.3 Often associated with

to Black MnO(OH) pseudo crystals often grouped in bundles. pyrolusite; distinguished from
orthorhombic that species by its significantly
greater hardness
4 to 4½ White to Steelgrey Grey, shiny PLATINUM Isometric usually massive in irregular grains or 14 to 19 malleable, very heavy! Very
Pt nuggets, crystals rare and usually rare. Distinguished from gold by
malformed cubes its color.
5 Steelgrey Black GLAUCODOT Orthorhombic usually massive, more rarely as 5.9 to 6.1 Rare; alloclasite, monoclinic, is

(Co,Fe)AsS prismatic crystals in cruciform dimorphous with glaucodot and
penetration twins difficult to distinguish from it,
but is probably even rarer
5 Yellowish or reddish Palebrown to cleavage variable, may be MONAZITE Monoclinic usually massive, granular, may be in 4.6 to 5.3 luster usually resinous to waxy,
brown white good in one direction and (Ce,La,Nd)PO4 crude large crystals (approx.) but may be adamantine and may
poor to good in another appear submetallic
direction
5 to 5½ Darkbrown to Black: Darkbrown to one perfect cleavage FERBERITE Monoclinic usually massive, granular, crystals 7.0 to 7.5 S.G. above about 7.3 indicates
color black in ferberite Black: streak HUEBNERITE tabular to bladed with vertical ferberite, lower indicates
brown in huebnerite darkens with ("Wolframite" striations huebnerite
increasing Mn series)
content (Fe,Mn)WO4
5 to 5½ Pale Copperred to Black NICKELINE Hexagonal usually massive, crystals rare and 7.78 may be coated with green

Pinkish silverywhite, NiAs usually pyramidal, often malformed, "nickel bloom."
tarnishing to Darkgrey may also be reticulated or
or Black arborescent,
5 to 5½ Dark brown to black Yellowbrown or GOETHITE Orthorhombic usually in radiating botryoidal 4.37
Yellowocher (pronounced "Ger aggregates, mammillary, or stalactic
taite.")
FeO(OH)
5½ Darkbrown to Black, Ironblack to CHROMITE Isometric usually massive, rarely as octahedral 4.6 luster usually pitchy,
Brownishblack FeCr2O4 crystals submetallic, usually associated
with peridotite rocks and
(Magnesiochromite accompanied by green or
is closely related, yellow alteration products.
S.G. 4.2, Rare.
Manganochromite,
H. 6½, is even
rarer.)
5½ to 6½ Darkbrown to Steelgrey Rustred or Indian HEMATITE Trigonal usually massive in radiating, 4.8 to 5.3 usually harder than a knife, but

to black red Fe2O3 reniform, or micaceous aggregates some forms can be softer. (See
under Sections IA & IC.)
Table IC: Metallic or Submetallic Luster and Hardness greater than 5½: (Can not be scratched by a knife.)
4 to 5½ Black or Pale BETAFITE Isometric massive (metamict) approx. 4 to 6 luster usually submetallic, but may be
Dark greenish or yellowish (Ca,Na,U)2(Ti,Nb)2(OH) (variable) resinous to vitreous, highly radioactive
yellowishbrown or
brownish
5 to 5½ Pale Copperred to Black NICKELINE Hexagonal usually massive, crystals 7.78 may be coated with green "nickel bloom."
Pinkish Silverywhite, NiAs rare and usually pyramidal,
tarnishing to Darkgrey often malformed, may also
or Black be reticulated or
arborescent
5 to 5½ Darkbrown to Black, Dark one perfect cleavage FERBERITE Monoclinic usually massive, granular, 7.0 to 7.5 Streak darkens with increasing Mn content
color black in ferberite, brown to HUEBNERITE crystals tabular to bladed above about 7.3
brown in huebnerite Black ("Wolframite" series) with vertical striations indicates
(Fe,Mn)WO4 ferberite,lower
indicates
huebnerite
5 to 5½ Darkbrown to black Yellow GOETHITE Orthorhombic usually in radiating 4.37
brown or (pronounced "Gertaite.") botryoidal aggregates,
Yellow FeO(OH) mammillary, or stalactic
ocher
5 to 5½ Darkbrown to Black, Pale MICROLITE Isometric usually massive, 6.42 luster usually resinous to vitreous, but when
Dark yellowishbrown to yellowish (Na,Ca)2Ta2O6(O,OH,F) granular, crystals resinous may appear submetallic, may
greenishbrown, Dark or octahedral contain some U and be radioactive
reddishbrown brownish
5 to 5½ Brown to Black or Dark Light PYROCHLORE Isometric usually massive, granular, 4.45 luster usually resinous to vitreous, but when
yellowishbrown brown to (Na,Ca)2Nb 2O6(OH,F).nH2O crystals usually octahedral, resinous may appear submetallic, usually
Yellowish modified by the cube contains some U and is radioactive
brown Distinguished from microlite by its lower
S.G.
5 to 6 Black Black to ROMANECHITE Orthorhombic usually massive, botryoidal 3.7 to 4.7 distinguished from similar Mn minerals by
Dark BaMnMnO16(OH)4 or stalactic its greater hardness
brown
5 to 6 Black to silveryblack Black to ILMENITE Trigonal usually as platy massive or 4.72 may be weakly magnetic
Dark FeTiO3 granular, crystals rare, thick
brown tabular or acute
rhombohedral
5 to 6 Deep bloodred Black to perfect cleavages in PYROPHANITE Trigonal usually in finegrained, 4.54
Dark two directions MnTiO3 scaly, masses
brown or
Reddish
brown
5½ Tinwhite or Silvery Black one perfect cleavage COBALTITE/ Isometric usually massive, granular, 6.3 difficult to distinguish end members
white GERSDORFFITE cubic and pyritohedral (cobaltite), without chemical tests, S.G. may help for
(Co,Ni)AsS crystals (cobaltite)or 5.9 samples close to the ideal end members.
octahedral and pyritohedral (gersdorffite)
crystals (gersdorffite)
5½ Tinwhite or Silvery Black distinct cleavages at SKUTTERUDITE/ Isometric usually massive, crystals 6.5 high end S.G. indicates the skutterudite end
white angles to one NICKEL cubes or cubooctahedral to 6.9 member, otherwise difficult to distinguish
another, poor SKUTTERUDITE: (skutterudite – from one another.
cleavage at a third (Co,Ni)As23 nickel
angle skutterudite)
5½ Black Black to URANINITE Isometric usually massive 9.0 to 9.7 ("pitchblende"), luster actually "pitchy may
Dark UO2 be botryoidal, radioactive
brown
5½ Brownishblack Dark CHROMITE Isometric usually massive, granular 4.6 luster actually "pitchy," often with green
brown FeCr2O4 alteration products
5½ Pale copperred Redbrown BREITHAUPTITE Hexagonal usually massive, crystals 7.59 to 8.23 Rare

NiSb rare, tabular
5½ to 6 Tinwhite or silvery Black one distinct cleavage ARSENOPYRITE Monoclinic usually massive, granular, 6.0 to 6.2 has garlic odor when ground or pounded –

white, tarnishing brown FeAsS crystals pseudo poisonous arsenic fumes
or bronzish orthorhombic prismatic,
usually in cruciform twins
or starshaped trillings
5½ to 6 Darkbrown to Steelgrey Rustred or HEMATITE Trigonal usually massive in 4.8 to 5.3 usually black and usually harder than a

to black Indianred Fe2O3 radiating, reniform, or knife. (See under Sections IA & IB.)
micaceous aggregates,
crystals rhombohedral
6 Black Black MAGNETITE Isometric massive or in octahedral 5.18 strongly magnetic
Fe3O4 crystals
6 Black Black to one distinct cleavage COLUMBITE Orthorhombic usually massive platy, or as 5.2 to 6.76 A complex solid solution series exists

Dark TANTALITE thick tabular crystals (ferrocolumbite) within the ColumbiteGroup;
brown (Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2O6 7.95 distinguishing between species is difficult
(ferrotantalite) without subtle chemical tests. S.G. may be
indicative for some species but not
definitive
6 Brownishblack Dark FRANKLINITE Isometric usually massive, granular, 5.15 may be slightly magnetic. Rare outside of
brown (Fe,Zn,Mn)(Fe,Mn)2O4 or as octahedral crystals Franklin, N.J., USA

6 to 6½ Brassyellow Black (may PYRITE Isometric massive or in striated cubic 5.0 most common brassyellow metallic mineral
be FeS2 or pyritohedral crystals,
greenish may be twinned
black)
6 to 6½ Brassyellow Black (may MARCASITE Orthorhombic usually massive, granular, 4.9 Difficult to distinguish from pyrite without
be FeS2 crystals usually "coxcomb" tests unless good crystals are present.
greenish clusters or radiating fibrous
black) aggregates
6 to 6½ Darkbrown to Black Palebrown RUTILE Tetragonal usually in prismatic 4.2 to 4.25 Anatase and brookite are closely related
TiO2 crystals, vertically striated, species, but rarer.
often needlelike as
inclusions in silicate
crystals, particularly quartz
Note: The BetafiteMicrolitePyrochlore Group and Subgroups are complex, species can be difficult to tell apart. S.G. and radioactivity may be indicative for some
species, but are rarely definitive.
Table IIA: Minerals with a Nonmetallic Luster, Definitely Colored Streak, and Hardness 1 to 6:
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes
Rustred to 1+ to 6½ Darkbrown to HEMATITE Trigonal 4.8 to 5.3 hardness and S.G. lower in earthy massive
Indianred Steelgrey to black Fe2O3 materials, harder and denser in crystals and
crystalline materials, crystals usually 5½ to
6½ with a metallic to submetallic luster
Pink 1½ to 2½ Palepink to Red perfect ERYTHRITE Monoclinic usually as earthy crusts or powdery 2.95 streak same color as the sample but paler.
cleavage Co 3(AsO4)2.8H2O coatings on cobalt minerals, may be Rare. (See also annabergite, below.)
reniform
Palepink to 1½ to 2½ Applegreen , Grey, at least one ANNABERGITE Monoclinic usually as coatings or crusts of tiny 3.0 to 3.23 streak same color
Lightgreen Palerose cleavage, Ni3(AsO4)2.8H2O crystals, grainyappearing, crystals as sample but lighter; Rare. (See also
perfect bladed to acicular erythrite above.)
Red 2 Red LITHARGE Tetragonal as alteration crusts on massicot (see 9.14 Rare
PbO below)
BrightScarlet 2 to 2½ Dark Ruby PROUSTITE/ Trigonal 5.58 isostructural species difficult to
red or red or Bright PYRARGYRITE (pyrargyrite) distinguish, though pyrargyrite is usually
Vermilion to Rubyred Ag 3(Sb,As)S3 5.57 (proustite) darker in color and more common than
Brownishred proustite, fusible in candle flame. Rare.
Darkred 2½ Darkred to one perfect CINNABAR Trigonal usually earthy or granular, commonly 8.10 luster of crystals adamantine, may appear
Vermilion cleavage HgS impure and dark red or reddishbrown, submetallic, heavy
brightred and translucent to transparent
when pure, crystals rhombohedral or
tabular to short prismatic
Bright to 2½ to 3 Orangeyellow one distinct CROCOITE Monoclinic usually in prismatic crystals with an 5.9 to 6.1 decrepitates (crumbles explosively) in a
Deepred cleavage PbCrO4 adamantine to subvitreous luster, as candle flame
parallel to jackstraw clusters, may be
hollow
Darkred 3½ to 4 Rubyred to CUPRITE Isometric usually in octahedral or cubic crystals, 6.0
Reddishbrown Cu 2O may be in slender crystals, may also be
massive
Orangeor 1½ to 2 Darkred one good REALGAR Monoclinic usually massive, granular, coarse to fine, 3.48 luster resinous, easily fusible in a candle
Reddish cleavage AsS and as crusts flame; usually associated with Orpiment
yellow
Orangeyellow 4 to 4½ Yellow to one ZINCITE Hexagonal usually massive as irregular grains or 5.64 to 5.68 luster subadamantine to subvitreous,

Orangeyellow to perfect (Zn,Mn)O rounded masses fluoresces green to yellowishgreen under
Deepred cleavage long wave ultraviolet light. Rare outside of
Franklin, N.J., USA.
Paleyellow 1½ to 2½ Lemonyellow one perfect ORPIMENT Monoclinic usually in foliated masses or grains 3.49 flexible, luster resinous, pearly on cleavage
cleavage As2S3 surfaces, easily fusible in a candle flame,
giving thin usually associated with Realgar
plates
Paleyellow 1½ to 2½ Brightyellow imperfect SULFUR Orthorhombic usually imperfectly crystallized masses 2.05 to 2.09 resinous to subvitreous luster, may appear
cleavage in S or crusts somewhat earthy when massive or as crusts,
three directions readily burns in a candle flame giving a
blue flame.
Paleyellow 2 Sulfuryellow MASSICOT Orthorhombic usually earthy or scaly masses 9.56 usually replaces other Pb minerals,
PbO particularly galena, scales flexible. Rather
rare.
Very Pale 2 to 2½ Lemonyellow to one perfect AUTUNITE/ Tetragonal/ usually as micaceous or scaly foliated 3.15 (autunite), luster vitreous to adamantine, fluoresces
yellow to Greenishyellow cleavage and METAAUTUNITE Orthorhombic aggregates, crystals thin or thick tabular 3.44 (meta bright greenishyellow. (See also
Yellowish one distinct autunite) torbernite/metatorbernite below, does not
Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2.10
green fluoresce.) Naturally occurring material is
12H2O
almost invariably metaautunite
/Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2.2
6H2O
Very Pale 2½ to 3 Orangered to VANADINITE (Apatite Hexagonal usually in barrelshaped prismatic 6.88 luster subvitreous to subresinous
Yellow, Rubyred, Group) hexagonal crystals, either long or short,
Yellowish Brownishred to Pb 5(VO4)3Cl may be acicular in clusters or mats
white (both Brownishyellow ("endlichite"), and as hollow prisms–
rarely seen), or pale Straw "hopper" crystals
White yellow
Very Pale 2 to 2½ Emerald to Grass one perfect TORBERNITE/ Tetragonal usually as micaceous or scaly foliated 3.22 luster vitreous to adamantine, similar to
green green, Apple cleavage and METATORBERNITE aggregates, crystals thin to thick tabular (torbernite), autunite/metaautunite but truly green and
green, Leekgreen one indistinct Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2.11H2O 3.70 does not fluoresce like autunite/meta
(metatorbernite) autunite. (See also autunite/ metaautunite
/ Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2.8H2O
above.) Naturally occurring material is
almost always metatorbernite
Lightgreen 3 to Dark to Bright one perfect ATACAMITE Orthorhombic usually in granular cleavable masses, 3.75 to 3.77 fusible in a candle flame. Rare.
3½ Emeraldgreen cleavage, a Cu 2Cl(OH)3 crystals prismatic and usually very small
second fair to microscopic
cleavage

Lightgreen 3½ Dark Emerald one perfect ANTLERITE Orthorhombic usually as mats of tiny acicular crystals, 3.88 vitreous luster, may appear subvitreous or
green cleavage, one Cu 3(SO4)(OH)4 may be granular dull in mats. Rare.
poor cleavage
Lightgreen 3½ to 4 Dark Emerald BROCHANTITE Monoclinic usually as crusts or mats of tiny crystals, 3.97 vitreous luster
green to Bright Cu 4(SO4)(OH)6 crystals may be stout prismatic to
green acicular or tabular
Lightgreen 3½ to 4 Dark to Bright one perfect MALACHITE Monoclinic as either radiating fibrous masses, 3.9 to 4.03 luster adamantine to vitreous, may appear
green cleavage Cu 2(CO3)(OH)2 botryoidal to mammillary, or as slender subvitreous to dull on surfaces of masses.
to stout prismatic crystals, often poorly Often associated with azurite
formed (and often psuedomorphic after
azurite), may be crusts, or acicular
stellate sprays
Pale Bluish 1½ to 2 Deepblue or Deep one perfect VIVIANITE Monoclinic usually as flattened to bladed prismatic 2.68 Streak: darkens to Darkblue or Brown after
white to White Greenishblue to cleavage Fe3(PO4)2.8H2O crystals, often in stellate clusters or exposure, vitreous luster. Rare
or Colorless Bluish green sprays, may also be granular, crusts, or
reniform masses
Very Paleblue 2 to 4 Pale to Deepblue, CHRYSOCOLLA usually in glassy, opaline, or 1.93 to 2.40 luster may be vitreous, waxy,
to Grey or Tan Bluegreen, Green Cu 2H2[Si2O5](OH)4 porcellaneous masses or crusts, often as porcellaneous, or dull.
mats of very fine acicular crystals, may
be botryoidal
Lightblue 2½ Azureblue to LINARITE Monoclinic usually as clusters or sprays of tiny 5.35 luster vitreous to subadamantine, easily
Brightblue PbCu(SO4)(OH)2 elongated prismatic or tabular crystals, fusible in a candle flame
bladed, may also be in crusts of crudely
formed crystals
Lightblue 3½ to 4 Deep Azureblue one perfect AZURITE Monoclinic usually as small stout prismatic crystals, 3.77 luster vitreous, may appear subvitreous to
cleavage Cu 3(CO3)2(OH)2 may be in sprays or radiating spherical dull on surfaces of radiating spherical
groups masses; usually associated with malachite
Brightblue 5 to 5½ Deepblue to one distinct LAZURITE Isometric usually massive, compact to granular, 2.38 to 2.45 luster vitreous in crystals, dull in massive
MediumBlue and cleavage Na3Ca(Al3Si3O12)S crystals rare, dodecahedral material. Rare
Violetblue
Very Paleblue 5½ to 6 Light to Medium one poor to SODALITE Isometric usually massive granular, crystals rare, 2.14 to 2.30 luster vitreous in crystals to dull in massive
to White blue, Violetblue, distinct Na4(Al3Si3O12)Cl dodecahedral, octahedral. Rare material, may fluoresce orange to orange
Grey, or White cleavage red

Brown 3½ to 4 Lighttan to Dark perfect SIDERITE Trigonal usually in cleavable masses, crystals 3.83 to 3.88 becomes magnetic when heated in a candle
brown cleavages in FeCO3 usually rhombohedrons, faces curved flame
three directions
producing
rhombic
fragments
Brown 3½ to 4 Darkbrown to one perfect FERBERITE/ Monoclinic usually massive, granular, crystals 7.0 to 7.5 color black in ferberite, brown in
Black cleavage HUEBNERITE tabular to bladed with vertical striations S.G. above 7.3 huebnerite, Streak darkens with increasing
("Wolframite" series) indicates Mn content
(Fe,Mn)WO4 ferberite, lower
indicates
huebnerite
Lightbrown 3½ to 4 Dark to Light perfect SPHALERITE Isometric usually in cleavable masses, granular, 3.9 to 4.1 may have an oily, submetallic, luster, streak
brown, Olive cleavage in six ZnS crystals blocky wedgeshaped usually lighter than the specimen
brown, Reddish directions
brown, Reddish
black
Yellowbrown 5 to 5½ Darkbrown to one perfect GOETHITE Orthorhombic usually in reniform or radiating fibrous 4.4 luster
to Ocher Black cleavage (pronounced "Gerta masses, botryoidal or mammillary, also usually dull, may be submetallic.
yellow ite" stalactic
FeO(OH)
Lightbrown 6 to 6½ Reddishbrown to one distinct RUTILE Tetragonal usually in slender prismatic crystals with 4.18 to 4.25 luster adamantine, may appear submetallic,
Black cleavage TiO2 vertically striated faces, as "elbow twins" usually translucent
(reticulated) and "sixlings"

Brown to 6 to 7 Lightbrown to one imperfect CASSITERITE Tetragonal usually as fibrous, reniform, or irregular 6.8 to 7.1 streak usually lighter than the specimen
Black greyish or white cleavage SnO2 masses, streamworn nuggets, with a dull
to submetallic luster, crystals usually
twined, with a submetallic or adamantine
luster
Table IIB1: Streak not colored, Cleavage Prominent, Hardness less than 2½: (Can be scratched with a fingernail, Streak: white or none.)
Cleavage Hardness Luster Color Name System Habit SG Notes
imperfect in four <1 (?) vitreous to sub Colorless to White SAL AMMONIAC: NH4Cl Isometric usually as powdery crusts around 1.53 very plastic (difficult to determine
directions vitreous (may be stained by volcanic vents or in coal seams that hardness); tastes stingingly salty.
(octahedral) impurities have burned, crystals usually Rare.
trapezohedral, tiny, in skeletal; or
dendritic aggregates, may also be
gyroidal or dodecahedral(rarely)
Perfect in one 1 waxy to pearly White to Grey, Sea TALC Monoclinic usually as foliated masses of flakes 2.7 will leave a white streak on paper,
direction green, impure material Mg 3Si4O10(OH)2 to flexible, has a greasy feel. The
may be Darkgreen to 2.8 cleavage may not be readily apparent
Darkgrey, almost due to foliation of the flakes.
Black
Perfect in one 1 vitreous White ULEXITE Triclinic usually as masses of fibrous or fine 1.95 luster vitreous on ends of cleavage
direction (rarely seen) to Colorless NaCaB5O6(OH).5H2O acicular crystals, rounded pieces, silky on sides, specimens
with clear ends placed on print
transmit the image through the
sample – you can read through it.
"TVstone."
Perfect in one 1½ to 2 luster vitreous to Colorless to White or NITRATINE Trigonal usually massive, granular, crystals 2.24 white streak, easily dissolved in
direction, good in one subvitreous Grey (Nitratite, SodaNiter): rhombohedral to water, has a cooling and salty taste,
direction, poor NaNO3 2.29 easily fusible in a candle flame.
in one direction Natratine and niter are difficult to
(rhombohedral) distinguish from one another without
tests for Na and K.
Imperfect in three 1½ to 2½ resinous to sub Brightyellow SULFUR Orthorhombic usually imperfectly crystallized masses 2.05 usually gives a pale yellow streak,
directions (rhombic) vitreous, may S or crusts to readily burns in a candle flame
appear somewhat 2.09 giving a blue flame
earthy when
massive or as crusts
Perfect in one 2 to 2½ subvitreous to dull. Green, pale to dark CLINOCHLORE Monoclinic usually as aggregates of foliated flakes, 2.6 flakes or scales flexible, Difficult to
direction almost black, may be CHAMOSITE (Chlorite may be in more compact masses of fine to distinguish between these two end
other colors, but rarely Group) scales 2.9 members though clinochlore tends to
(Mg,Fe)5Al(Si3Al)O10(OH)8 be the more common.
Perfect in one 2 vitreous Colorless to White or NITER Orthorhombic usually as thin crusts, granular to 2.10 white streak, easily dissolved in

direction, imperfect in Grey (Saltpeter): powdery, massive, or columnar, may be water, has a
one direction good in KNO3 in silky tufts or delicate cooling and salty taste, easily fusible
one direction acicular crystals in a candle flame. Natratine and niter
(prismatic) are difficult to distinguish from one
another without tests for Na and K.
Perfect in one 2 waxy luster. White to Grey, PYROPHYLLITE: Monoclinic usually as aggregates of foliated flakes, 2.8 greasy feel, May be difficult to

direction darker when impure, Al2Si4O10(OH)2 flexible to distinguish from talc. Cleavage not
may be Greenish 2.9 always readily apparent due to
foliation.
Perfect in one 2 subvitreous to Colorless to White or GYPSUM Monoclinic may be in compact masses without 2.32
direction, good in two pearly (on cleavage Grey (may be stained CaSO4.2H2O cleavage ("alabaster"), fibrous masses
directions faces) to silky or other colors by ("satin spar") or prismatic crystals, often
(prismatic) dull impurities) twinned ("selenite")
Perfect in three 2 vitreous to sub Colorless HALITE Isometric usually as granular crystalline masses or 2.17 tastes somewhat "salty." Halite and
directions (cubic) vitreous to White (may be (Common Salt) small cubic crystals sylvite can be difficult to
stained by impurities) NaCl distinguish, but halite tastes
noticeably "saltier".
Perfect in three 2 vitreous to sub Colorless to White SYLVITE Isometric usually as granular crystalline masses or 1.97 tastes "salty". Halite and sylvite can
directions (cubic) vitreous (may be stained by (Potassium Salt) small cubic crystals to be difficult to distinguish, but halite
impurities) KCl 1.99 tastes noticeably "saltier" .

Perfect in one 2 to 2½ pearly on cleavage White, may be Pale MUSCOVITE Monoclinic, usually in "books" of thin sheets or as 2.76 sheets or flakes elastic
direction surfaces green or Paleyellow (Mica Group) pseudo aggregates of foliated thin scales, to
hexagonal crystals usually elongated stacks of 2.88
Kal2(Si3Al)O10 (OH,F)2 sheets with a hexagonal or "diamond"
cross section

Perfect in one 2 to 2½ pearly on cleavage White to Greenish PHLOGOPITE Monoclinic, usually as aggregates of foliated thin 2.86 sheets or flakes elastic. Difficult to
direction surfaces white or Yellowish (Mica Group): pseudo scales or "books" of sheets, crystals rare, distinguish from muscovite, which is
brown KMg 3(Si3Al)O10(F,OH) hexagonal usually same as for muscovite much more common.
Perfect in one 2 to 2½ pearly on cleavage Black to Brownish ANNITE Monoclinic, usually in "books" of thin sheets or as 2.7 may give a pale brownish streak,

direction surfaces black ("Biotite Mica Group) pseudo aggregates of foliated thin scales; to sheets or flakes elastic. Note:
K(Fe,Mg) hexagonal crystals usually same as for muscovite. 3.4 Materials described previously as
(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2 "biotite" have been found to
constitute a solid solution series,
with annite the most common
member.
Perfect in one 2 to 2½ earthy White KAOLINITE Triclinic usually as compact earthy masses 2.6 has an earth odor when moistened,

direction (rarely seen) to Tan, may be Al2Si2O5(OH)4 sticks to a dry tongue
Greyish
Perfect in three 2 to 2½ vitreous Brightred VILLIAUNITE Isometric usually as small to tiny cubic crystals, 2.79 granular, dissolves in water: very
directions (cubic) to Palerose, white NaF sometimes modified by an octahedron, poisonous! Rare.
streak also as cleavable masses (small?)
Perfect in one 2½ pearly on cleavage White, Grey, or BRUCITE Trigonal usually as foliated masses of flakes or 2.39 thin flakes flexible, sectile
direction surfaces Greenishwhite Mg(OH)2 scales (thicker than the micas)
Perfect in one 2½ subvitreous to White to Colorless, COOKEITE Monoclinic usually as aggregates of tiny flakes or 2.58 flakes or scales elastic

direction waxy, may be dull Greyish, to Yellowish (Chlorite Group): scales, crystals in tiny rosettes or to
or Tannish LiAl4(Si3Al)O10(OH)8 spherical radiating clusters, may be 2.69
somewhat botryoidal looking
Table IIB2: Streak NotColored, Cleavage Not Prominent, Hardness less than 2½: (Can be scratched with a fingernail; Streak: white or none; Cleavage absent or not
obvious.)
Hardness Color Luster Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes
<1 (?) Colorless to vitreous to sub imperfect in four directions SAL AMMONIAC: Isometric usually as powdery crusts around 1.53 may also be gyroidal or dodecahedral
White (may vitreous (octahedral), may not be seen NH4Cl volcanicvents or in coal seams that (rarely), very plastic;difficult to determine
be stained by have burned, crystals usually hardness, tastes stingingly salty. Rare.
impurities) trapezohedral, tiny, in skeletal or
dendritic aggregates
1 White to Perfect in one direction, may ULEXITE Triclinic usually as masses of fibrous or fine 1.95 specimens with clear ends placed on print
Colorless not be seen NaCaB5O6(OH).5H2O acicular crystals, rounded transmit the image through the sample – you
can read through it. "TVstone.
1½ to 2 Colorless to vitreous to sub Perfect in one direction, good NITRATINE Trigonal usually massive, granular, crystals 2.24 white streak; easily dissolved in water,
White or vitreous in one direction, poor in one (Nitratite, SodaNiter) rhombohedral to luster, has a cooling and salty taste, easily
Grey direction (rhombohedral), may NaNO3 2.29 fusible in a candleflame; Natratine and
not be apparent Niter are difficult to distinguish from one
another without tests for Na and K
1½ to 2½ Bright resinous to sub Imperfect in three directions SULFUR: Orthorhombic usually imperfectly crystallized 2.05 usually gives a paleyellow streak, readily

yellow vitreous, may appear (rhombic), may not be S masses or crusts to burns in a candle flame giving a blue flame
somewhat earthy when apparent 2.09
massive or as crusts
2 Colorless to vitreous to sub Perfect in one direction, NITER (Saltpeter) Orthorhombic usually as thin crusts, granular to 2.10 white streak;easily dissolved in water, has a
White or vitreous imperfect in one direction, KNO3 powdery, cooling and
Grey good in one direction massive, or columnar, may be in salty taste, easily fusible in a candle flame;
(prismatic), may not be silky tufts or delicate acicular Natratine and niter are difficult to
apparent crystals distinguish from one another
without tests for Na and K
2 to 2½ White to Tan, earthy luster Perfect in one direction, may KAOLINITE Triclinic usually as compact earthy masses 2.6 earth odor when moistened, sticks to a dry
may be not be seen Al2Si2O5(OH)4 tongue
Greyish
2 to 2½ Brightred to vitreous to sub Perfect in three directions VILLIAUNITE: Isometric usually as small to tiny cubic 2.79 white streak;dissolves in water: very
Palerose vitreous (cubic), may not be seen NaF crystals, sometimes modified by the poisonous! Rare.
octahedron, also as cleavable
masses (small?), granular
2½ White to vitreous to waxy Perfect in one direction, may COOKEITE Monoclinic usually as aggregates of tiny flakes 2.58
Colorless, luster, may be dull. not be seen (Chlorite Group): or scales, crystals in tiny rosettes or to
Greyish, to LiAl4(Si3Al)O10(OH)8 spherical radiating clusters, may be 2.69
Yellowish or somewhat botryoidal looking,
Tannish flakes or
scales elastic
Note: There are very few common to rare nonmetallic species less than 2½ in hardness which do not have at least one good cleavage. Any sample that keys out to
this point and is not one of the above listed minerals needs to be reexamined. It probably either has a prominent cleavage or is harder than 2½. Or it is a very rare to
extremely rare species not covered here.
Table IIC1: Streak not colored, Cleavage prominent, Hardness 2½ to 3: (Can not be scratched by a fingernail, can be scratched by a copper penny, streak white or one.)
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit SG Notes
Perfect in 2½ to 4 Lilac, pearly LEPIDOLITE Monoclinic, usually as aggregates of tiny flakes, also as "books" of larger sheets, rarely as 2.8 elastic, harder than
one Lavender, luster on (Mica Group) pseudo diamondshaped or distorted hexagonal shaped crystals, flakes or sheets to other common
direction Greyish cleavage K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2 hexagonal 3.0 micas – except for
(basal) to Greenish surfaces margarite (see
white below).
Perfect in 3½ to 5 Deep to pale pearly on MARGARITE Monoclinic usually as flaky aggregates or crossgrain "books" sandwiched in a matrix of 3.0 bends little and

one Lilac, Grey cleavage (Mica Group) chloriterich amphibolite schist to then
direction to surfaces CaAl2(Al2Si2)O10(OH)2 3.1 breaks – "brittle
(basal) White mica." Hardest of
the common micas.
Perfect in 2 Colorless to vitreous to HALITE Isometric usually as granular crystalline masses or small cubic crystals 2.17 tastes somewhat
three White (may sub (Common Salt) "salty." Halite and
directions be stained vitreous NaCl sylvite can be
(cubic) by difficult to
impurities) distinguish, but
halite tastes
noticeably "saltier"
than sylvite.
Perfect in 2 Colorless to vitreous to SYLVITE Isometric usually as granular crystalline masses or small cubic crystals 1.97 tastes "salty."Halite

three White (may sub (Potassium Salt) to and sylvite can be
directions be stained vitreous KCl 1.99 difficult to
(cubic) by luster distinguish, but
impurities) halite tastes
noticeably "saltier"
than sylvite.
Distinct in 2½ to 3 Colorless or adamantine ANGLESITE Orthorhombic usually in crystalline masses, crystals usually small and tabular, rarely 6.2 streak white;
one White to to sub PbSO4 prismatic to Massive material
direction Greyish adamantine, 6.4 may be difficult to
(prismatic), white or may be distinguish from
good in a Greyish vitreous to cerussite without
second brown resinous testing for SO4 vs.
direction on some CO3 (See cerussite
(basal) and surfaces below).
fair to poor
in a third
direction
(rhombic
overall)
Perfect in 3; but may be usually vitreous to CALCITE Trigonal may be in cleavable masses producing rhombs, granular masses (limestone and 2.71 White streak; clear
three 2 across the Clear or sub CaCO3 marble),scalenohedral ("dogtooth") crystals, rhombohedral crystals, flattened rhombs show a
directions, top surface of White to vitreous rhombohedral ("nailhead") crystals, or a wide variety of related doubled image of
corners prismatic Tan or Grey, shapes; The many varied habits of calcite crystals make this one of print viewed
120 o or 60 o crystals with a but may be the species that can be tough to identify by crystal form alone. Few through them,
(rhombic) flat tinted many effervesces in cold,
people, if any, are familiar with all the forms it takes. (there are
termination colors dilute acid – even
over 800 crystals forms known for this species to date…)
in vinegar or Coke
to a small degree.
Perfect in 3 Colorless, vitreous to KERNITE: Monoclinic usually in cleavable crystalline masses 1.95
two White, or sub Na2B4O6(OH)2.3H2O
directions Grey (may vitreous
(prismatic) be stained
and fair in other colors)
a third
imperfect 3 to 3½ Colorless to vitreous to WITHERITE (Aragonite Orthorhombic, usually as stout prismatic twinned crystals with a hexagonal cross section, often 4.29 often hazed, will
in one White or sub pseudo with pyramidal terminations on both ends, more rarely as globular to botryoidal effervesce in cold
direction Greyish vitreous Group) hexagonal clusters, coarse fibrous aggregates, and granular acid.
(basal), white, may BaCO3
distinct in be tinted
another other colors
direction
(rhombic),
may not be
seen
Perfect in 3 to 3½ Colorless to vitreous ANHYDRITE Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crystalline masses exhibiting a pseudocubic 2.9

two White or and/or CaSO4 cleavage, or in granular masses with no cleavage apparent, crystals rare and to
directions, Greyish pearly usually equant or thick tabular 2.98
imperfect white, may
to good in be tinted
a third other colors
(rhombic)
Distinct in 3 to 3½ Colorless to vitreous, BARITE Orthorhombic usually in clusters or 4.5 Distinguish from
one White or pearly on BaSO4 aggregates of platy to tabular crystals Celestine by SG or
direction Greyish basal a flame test (lime
(prismatic), white, may cleavage green)
good in a be tinted surfaces
second other colors
direction
(basal) and
fair to poor
in a third
direction
(rhombic
overall)
Distinct in 3 to 3½ Colorless to vitreous, CELESTITE (Celestine) Orthorhombic usually in clusters or aggregates of platy to tabular crystals 3.95 Distinguish from

one White or pearly on SrSO4 to Barite by SG or a
direction Greyish basal 3.97 flame test (bright
(prismatic), white, Blue, cleavage red)
good in a may be surfaces
second tinted other
direction colors
(basal) and
fair to poor
in a third
direction
(rhombic
overall)
Note: The above three members of the Barite Group are most easily told apart by their S.G.s Anglesite is noticeably heavier than the other two, barite may feel
heavier than celestite.
Table IIC2a: Nonmetallic Luster; Streak Not Colored; Hardness 2½ to 3; Cleavage Not Prominent; Splinter Will Fuse in a Candle Flame.
Fusibility Color Hardness Luster Name System Habit SG Notes
swells and Usually Snow 2 to 2½ vitreous to resinous BORAX: Monoclinic usually in crystalline or granular 1.7 dissolves in water, has a sweetish, alkaline
fuses to a white;Colorless to White Na2B4O5(OH)4.8H2O masses, crystals short taste
glassy or Greyishwhite, may be prismatic to somewhat tabular,
globule in tinted other colors flattened prisms
a candle
flame
Small Colorless to White, may 2½ vitreous to greasy, has an CRYOLITE: monoclinic usually massively 2.95 white streak;small clear fragments seem to

splinters be tinted other colors unusual greasy translucence Na3AlF6 crystalline to coarse granular, to disappear when placed in water (nearly
fusible in a crystal rare and usually pseudo 3.0 identical refractiveindex)
candle cubic
flame
Small Colorless to White or 3 to 3½ adamantine to vitreous, may be CERUSSITE orthorhombic usually as crystalline to granular 6.55 cleavage distinct in one direction and good

splinters GreyishWhite, may be resinous on cleavage surfaces, (Aragonite Group) masses, crystals usually tabular in in another, but rarely seen, effervesces in cold
fusible in a tinted other colors may also appear submetallic PbCO3 platy clusters or aggregates, may acid. Massive material difficult to distinguish
candle when dark colored be prismatic, rarely acicular (habit from anglesite without testing for CO3 vs.
flame widely varied) SO4. Also see strontianite
Table IIC2b: Nonmetallic Luster; Streak Not Colored; Hardness 2½ to 3; Cleavage Not Prominent; Infusible in a Candle Flame.
Color Hardness Luster Name System Habit SG Notes
White to Tan, may 2 to 2½ earthy KAOLINITE Triclinic usually as compact earthy masses 2.6 has an earth odor when moistened, sticks to a dry
be Greyish Al2Si2O5(OH)4 tongue
Colorless to White 3 to 3½ vitreous ANHYDRITE Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crystalline masses exhibiting a 2.9 to 2.98

or Greyishwhite, and/or CaSO4 pseudocubic cleavage, or in granular masses with
may be tinted other pearly no cleavage apparent, crystals rare and usually
colors equant or thick tabular
Colorless to White 3 to 3½ vitreous WITHERITE Orthorhombic, usually as stout prismatic twinned crystals with a 4.29 often hazed, will effervesce in cold acid. Has
or Greyishwhite, to sub (Aragonite Group): pseudo hexagonal cross section, often with pyramidal cleavage, but it may not be seen.
may be tinted other vitreous BaCO3 hexagonal terminations on both ends, more rarely as globular
colors to botryoidal clusters, coarse fibrous aggregates,
and granular
Colorless to White 3½ to 4 vitreous STRONTIANITE Orthorhombic usually in granular or fibrous aggregates, may be 3.76 effervesces mildly in cold
or Grey, may be to sub (Aragonite Group) columnar, crystals short prismatic to acicular, often acids, or not at all. Distinguished from cerussite by
tinted other colors vitreous, SrCO3 pseudohexagonal in cross section (Carich) its notably lower specific gravity, lighter feel. Also
silky it is not as common as cerussite.
when
fibrous
Shades of Green, 2½ to 4; sub ANTIGORITE/ Monoclinic, usually in crystalline masses, often platy or 2.4 to 2.79 These serpentine minerals are almost impossible to
olive, apple, dark to rarely 5 to vitreous LIZARDITE/AMESITE Orthorhombic columnar (antigorite), tell apart, particularly in massive forms. They may
blackish, often 6 in dense to greasy (Serpentine Group) and Triclinic 2.55 to 2.61 coexist at the same locality. Still, information on
mottled massive luster, Generally (lizardite), the specific locality a specimen comes from may be
material feels (Mg,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4 2.71 to 2.80 the best bet for nailing down the ID.
greasy (amesite)
White to Grey, Pale 2 to 3 silky CLINOCHRYSOTILE/ Monoclinic & usually in fine fibrous aggregates, 2.53 to 1.55 "Asbestos." is an
green to Olive ORHTOCRYSOTILE/ Orthorhombic fibers often very long and "weaveable," industrial term for several longfiber species (not all
green, Golden PARACHRYSOTILE Serpentines) that can be
yellow to Brown (Serpentine Group): made into cloth or mats.
Mg 3Si2O5(OH)4 These species are extremely difficult to tell apart,
although parachrysotile is rare and not likely to be
seen. Most specimens are simply labeled with the
generic term: CHRYSOTILE
Orangered to Ruby 2½ to 3 luster sub VANADINITE Hexagonal usually in barrel shaped prismatic hexagonal 6.88 streak white, may be yellowish

red, Brownishred to vitreous (Apatite Group): crystals, either long or short, may be acicular in
Brownishyellow or to sub Pb 5(VO4)3Cl clusters or mats ("endlichite"), and as hollow prisms
pale resinous "hopper" crystals
Strawyellow
Darkgreen to 3½ sub PYROMORPHITE Hexagonal usually in barrel shaped, prismatic hexagonal 7.04 white streak; difficult to distinguish from mimetite
Yellowgreen, vitreous (Apatite Group): crystals, may also be spindle shaped, hollow – without tests for PO4 vs. AsO4.
Yellow to Orange to Pb 5(PO4)3Cl "hopper crystals"; – rarely tabular or pyramidal,
Yellow, Brown, resinous crystals may exhibit concentric color or structural
White, even zones due to zoned variations in composition
Colorless
Paleyellow to 3½ to 4 luster sub MIMETITE Hexagonal usually in simple barrelshaped prismatic crystals, 7.28 Difficult to distinguish from pyromorphite without
Yellowishbrown, vitreous (Apatite Group): rarely tabular or acicular, may be botryoidal or tests for AsO4 vs. PO4; Named for the fact that it
Orangeyellow to to Pb 5(AsO4)3Cl globular closely mimics pyromorphite
Orangered, White resinous
to Colorless
Green to Yellow, 3½ to 4 vitreous WAVELLITE: Orthorhombic usually in radiating fibrous aggregates or stellate 2.36 streak white; one perfect and one distinct cleavage,
Greenishwhite, to Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)3.5H2O clusters, as crusts, may be stalactic but they are rarely seen, dissolves in cold acids.
YellowishBrown to pearly,
Brown, rarely other sometimes
hues resinous
Note: The above three members of the Apatite Group are difficult to tell apart when they have the color(s) of vanadinite, though usually the colors in vanadinite are
deeper, more intense, than the other two. Vanadinite has lower S.G. than the other two as well.
Table IID1: Nonmetallic Luster, Hardness Greater Than 3 but Less Than 5½, and Prominent Cleavage: (Can not be scratched by a copper penny, can be scratched by a
knife, streak white or none.)
imperfect in one 3 to 3½ Colorless to White vitreous to WITHERITE Orthorhombic, usually as stout prismatic 4.29 often hazed, will effervesce in

direction (basal), may be or Greyishwhite, subvitreous (Aragonite Group) pseudo twinned crystals with a cold acid.
distinct in another may be tinted BaCO3 hexagonal hexagonal cross section,
direction (rhombic)but other colors often with pyramidal
usually not seen terminations on both ends,
more rarely as globular to
botryoidal clusters, coarse
fibrous aggregates, and
granular
Distinct in one direction 3½ to 4 Colorless to White vitreous to ARAGONITE Orthorhombic usually in prismatic crystals, 2.95 often fluorescent, pale rose,
(prismatic) or Grey, may be subvitreous (Aragonite Group) sometimes flattened, often yellow or bluishwhite,
tinted other colors or resinous CaCO3 acicular, usually twinned effervesces in cold acids.
producing a pseudo Distinguished from calcite by its
hexagonal cross section, may greater hardness, higher S.G. and
also be columnar, radiating different crystal forms and habits
or stellate aggregates, also – though some crystals may
stalactic mimic the forms found in calcite.
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit Sp. G Notes

Perfect cleavage in one 3½ to 4 Colorless to vitreous, STILBITE(Ca) Monoclinic usually as flattened tabular 2.12 to 2.22 white streak; dissolves in cold
direction (prismatic) White, may be pearly on (Zeolite Group) long prismatic crystals, often acids.
Yellow, Brown, cleavage in sheaflike groups
(Ca0.5,Na,K)9[Al9Si27O72].28H2O
and other colors surfaces ("bowties")
Perfect cleavage in one 3½ to 4 Colorless to vitreous, HEULANDITE(Ca) Monoclinic commonly tabular to equant 2.10 to 2.29 white streak; dissolves in cold
direction (prismatic) White, may be pearly on (Zeolite Group) crystals, may be long acids.
Grey, Yellow, cleavage prismatic
(Ca0.5,Na,K)9[Al9Si27O72].~24H2O
Pink, and other surfaces
colors
Perfect cleavage in one 3½ to 4 Colorless to White vitreous, CLINOPTILOLTE(Ca) Monoclinic usually as platy crystals, may 2.10 to 2.17 white streak; dissolves in cold
direction (prismatic) pearly on (Zeolite Group) be tabular or flattened long acids.
cleavage prismatic, commonly fine
(Ca0.5,Na,K)6[Al6Si30O72].~20H2O
surfaces grained, massive
Perfect cleavage in one 4½ Colorless to vitreous to STELLERITE Orthorhombic usually in spheres of 2.13 white streak; dissolves in cold
direction (prismatic) White, may be subvitreous (Zeolite Group) radiating elongated tabular acids.
Pink or Brown crystals, often also as
Ca[Al2Si7O18].7H2O
aggregates of scaly to platy
and small tabular crystals
Perfect in one direction 4½ to 5½ Colorless to vitreous, BREWSTERITESr/ Monoclinic & usually as small tabular 2.32 to 2.45 white streak; S.G. increases with
(prismatic), may have a White, Palepink, pearly on BREWSTERITEBa Triclinic crystals, may be blocky or Ba content; BrewsteriteBa is the
poor (pinacoidal) Paleyellow to some cleavage prismatic as well far more common of the two.
(Sr,Ba)2[Al4Si12O32].10H2O –
cleavage in another Palebrown surfaces
direction (Ba,Sr)2[Al4Si12O32].10H2O

Perfect cleavage in one 5 to 5½ Palepink, usually NATROLITE Orthorhombic usually as long slender 2.20 to 2.27 white streak; dissolves in cold
direction (prismatic) Colorless to vitreous to (Zeolite Group) needles in stellate clusters or acids.
White, may be silky in finer radial aggregates, may also
Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O
Grey or other acicular be in jackstraw clusters
colors aggregates,
but may be
dull or even
greasy
Poor in one direction, 5 to 5½ Colorless to vitreous ANALCIME Polymorphous usually in cubic or 2.22 to 2.63 dissolves in cold acids
may not be seen White, may be (Zeolite Group) (Iso., Tet., trapezohedral crystals or
Yellow, Pink, or Orth., Mon., finegrained masses, more
Na[AlSi2O6].H2O
other colors Tric., Trig.) rarely in other crystal forms
Perfect in one direction 4 to 4½ Colorless to white vitreous to COLEMANITE Monoclinic usually in druzy to jackstraw 2.42 decrepitates violently in a
(may have a distinct or Grey, may be sub Ca2B6O11.5H2O clusters of acicular to candle flame.
cleavage in a second tinted other colors adamantine prismatic crystals
direction)
Perfect in one direction 4½ to 5 Colorless to White vitreous to FLUORAPOPHYLLITE Tetragonal crystals usually equant, 2.33 to 2.37 It is impossible to tell the two
(may have an imperfect or Grey, Pale subvitreous, HYDROXYLAPOPHYLLITE blocky, may be stout tabular, end members apart without
cleavage in a second green, may also be pearly on more rarely prismatic, subtle chemical tests.
KCa4Si8O20F.8H2O
direction) other tints cleavage commonly striated Information about which is
surfaces KCa4Si8O20(OH).8H2O found at any given locality is
the best bet. Fluorapophyllite is
probably the more common of
the two.

Perfect in one direction ( 4½ to 5 Blue most vitreous to KYANITE Triclinic most often as bladed long 3.56 to 3.76 only common mineral with
may have a good parallel to common, also subvitreous Al2SiO5 prismatic crystals, usually significant hardness difference
cleavage in another the length Green, may be poorly formed and rarely in two directions.
direction) of the Grey, even Black, terminated, may be in
crystal, 7 to due to inclusions parallel groupings or
7½ across randomly oriented in the
the crystal matrix
Two Directions 3½ to 4 Colorless to White vitreous to STRONTIANITE Orthorhombic usually in granular or fibrous 3.76 effervesces mildly in cold acids,

Perfect in one direction or Grey, may be subvitreous, (Aragonite Group) aggregates, may be or not at all. Distinguished from
(prismatic), good in tinted other colors silky when SrCO3 columnar, crystals short cerussite by its notably lower
another direction fibrous prismatic to acicular, often specific gravity, lighter feel.
(prismatic) pseudohexagonal in cross Also it is not as common as
section (Carich) cerussite.
Two Directions 4½ Bluishgrey to vitreous to TRIPHYLITE Orthorhombic usually in cleavable 3.56

Perfect in one direction, GreenishGrey subvitreous, LITHIOPHILITE crystalline masses, crystals (triphylite),
imperfect in a second (triphylite), white may be dull in LiFePO – LiMnPO rare and usually crude with 3.34
4 4
(both prismatic) to greyishwhite granular uneven surfaces, stout (lithiophilite)
streak, Clove massive prismatic
brown to material
Yellowishbrown,
Salmon
(lithiophilite)
Two Directions: perfect 4½ to 5 Colorless to vitreous, HEMIMORPHITE Orthorhombic usually in radiating clusters 3.4 to 3.5 may resemble prehnite in its
in one direction White, may be pearly on Zn 4Si2O7(OH)2.H2O of acicular or somewhat botryoidal form, but S.G. is
(prismatic), good in a Paleyellow, Pale some cleavage flattened long prismatic higher
second direction green, Skyblue, surfaces crystals, may also be in thick
(cleavages rarely seen) Palebrown botryoidal crusts of thick to
almost fibrous radiating
crystals
Two Directions: perfect 4½ to 5 White, Palepink, vitreous to PECTOLITE Triclinic usually in acicular sprays or 2.84 to 2.90 partly decomposed in acid
in both directions Paletan, Paleblue silky in (Wollastonite Group) radial fibrous aggregates forming a gelatin
(prismatic & pinacoidal) fibrous NaCa2Si3O8(OH)
material
Two Directions: perfect 4½ to 5 White to Greyish vitreous luster WOLLASTONITE1A Triclinic usually in coarsely 2.86 to 3.09 Most common of the wollasonite
in one direction white, may also be to somewhat (Wollastonite Group) crystalline cleavage masses, polymorphs.
(prismatic), good in a Palegreen pearly in CaSiO3 more rarely fibrous
second (pinacoidal), may fibrous
exhibit a poor to good material
third cleavage (rarely
seen)
Two Directions: perfect 4½ to 5 Orange to Pinkish vitreous, SERANDITE Triclinic usually as slightly flattened 3.0 to 3.4 Rare
in two directions orange to Rose pearly on (Wollastonite Group) prismatic crystals in parallel
(prismatic & pinacoidal) cleavage Na(Mn,Ca)2Si3O8(OH) to subparallel groups
surfaces
Two Directions: perfect 5 to 5½ Yellowishbrown vitreous to TITANITE ("SPHENE") Monoclinic usually in crude blocky to 3.48 to 3.60 streak white to pale brown

in one direction, to Greenishbrown subvitreous, CaTiSiO5 stout prismatic crystals,
imperfect in a second may be wedgeshaped
direction (both somewhat
prismatic) resinous or
oily
Two Directions: perfect 5½ to 6½ Pink to Rosered, vitreous to RHODONITE Triclinic usually massive, granular, 3.55 to 3.76

in both directions at Brownishred, subvitreous, (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3 rarely as tabular crystals
nearly 90 o to one usually coated may be
another (prismatic) with black somewhat
manganese oxides pearly on
cleavage
surfaces
Two Directions: perfect 5½ to 6 Dark Greenish vitreous, BABINGTONITE Triclinic usually as equant to stout 3.34 to 3.48 pale greenish to brownish grey
in two directions black to Black splendant. Ca2(Fe,Mn)FeSi5O14(OH) prismatic to tabular crystals, streak
often crude
Two Directions: perfect 4 to 4½ Colorless to silky to DACHIARDITECa Monoclinic usually fibrous to small 2.14 to 2.21 white streak; Rare.
in both directions White, may be vitreous (Zeolite Group) bladed prismatic crystals in
(prismatic and Pink to Orangered (Ca0.5,K,Na)45[Al45Si2019O48] radiating aggregates or
pinacoidal) .~13H O clusters
2
Two Directions: distinct 4 to 4½ Colorless to vitreous PHILLIPSITECa Monoclinic usually as small twinned, 2.2 white streak; Forms a series with

in one direction, White, may be (Zeolite Group) pseudoorthorhombic, harmotome.
indistinct in another Pink to Red, (Ca0.5,K,Na,Ba0.5)47[Al47,Si129O32] prismatic crystals
(both prismatic) Yellow .12H O
2
Two Directions: good in 4½ to 5 Colorless to White vitreous HARMOTOME Monoclinic usually as blocky crystals, 2.38 to 2.50 streak white; Forms a series with

one direction, fair in or Greyishwhite, (Zeolite Group) but may be twinned, pseudo (increasing phillipsite
another (both prismatic), may be tinted (Ba0.5,Ca0.5,K,Na)5[Al5Si11O32] orthorhombic, prismatic with Ba
fair cleavage may not be other colors .12H O crystals content)
seen 2
Two Directions: 4½ to 5½ Colorless to vitreous, BREWSTERITESr/ Monoclinic & usually as small tabular 2.32 to 2.45 BrewsteriteBa is the far more

perfect in one direction White, Palepink, pearly on BREWSTERITEBa Triclinic crystals, may be blocky or (increasing common of the two
(prismatic), poor in Paleyellow to some cleavage prismatic as well with Ba
(Sr,Ba)2[Al4Si12O32].10H2O
another, (pinacoidal), Palebrown surfaces content)
(Ba,Sr)2[Al4Si12O32].10H2O
second may not be seen
Two Directions: perfect 5 Colorless to silky when MESOLITE Orthorhombic usually in fibrous radiating 2.25 white streak;
in both directions (both White, may be fibrous, (Zeolite aggregates or long slender
prismatic) Pink to Red, vitreous when Group)Na16Ca16[Al48Si72O240].64H2O needles in sprays, stellate
Yellowish or acicular clusters, or jackstraw
Green clusters, may also be fibrous
tufts
Two Directions: 5 to 5½ Colorless to vitreous, silky SCOLECITE Monoclinic usually as thin flattened 2.24 to 2.31 Rare.

perfect in both directions White, Pink to Red in fibrous (Zeolite Group) prismatic needles in stellate
(both prismatic) or Salmon, Green material to radiating clusters, may
Ca[Al2Si3O10].3 H2O
also be in fibrous radiating
aggregates
Two Directions: 5 to 5½ Colorless to vitreous, silky NATROLITE Orthorhombic usually as long slender 2.20 to 2.27 white streak; partially dissolves

perfect in one direction White, Palepink in more (Zeolite Group) needles or prismatic crystals in acids producing gelatin.
(prismatic), good to to Palered, may be fibrous (nearly square crosssection,
Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O
distinct in a second other colors aggregates, pseudotetragonal) in radial
direction (actually a more rarely aggregates or stellate or
parting, but distinct – greasy or dull jackstraw clusters
prismatic)
Two Directions 5 to 5½ Colorless to vitreous to THOMSONITE Orthorhombic usually in granular masses, 2.25 to 2.44 partially dissolves in acids
perfect in one direction, White, may be pearly (Zeolite Group) crystals vary from thin producing gelatin
good in another (both tinted other colors, rectangular blades to blocky
Ca2Na[Al5Si5O20]. 6H2O
prismatic), may not be white streak prismatic
seen
Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Grey to Lavender vitreous, silky GLAUCOPHANE Monoclinic usually in lathlike crystal 3.02 to 3.42 palegrey to bluishgrey streak;

and ~124 o , prismatic – blue or Paleblue in asbestiform FERROGLAUCOPHANE aggregates, striated along (increasing glaucophane usually lightgrey
Amphibole Group; good varieties Na2(Mg 3Al2)Si8O22(OH)2 their length, and in fibrous with Fe to lavenderblue,
to perfect in both Na2(Fe3Al2) Si8O22(OH)2 ("asbestiform") aggregates content) ferroglaucophane usually darker.
directions ("crocidolite") The glaucophanes and
riebeckites are impossible to tell
apart without subtle chemical or
optical tests.
Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Lightblue to vitreous, silky MAGNESIORIEBECKITE Monoclinic usually in lathlike crystal 3.02 to 3.42 palegrey to bluishgrey streak;

and ~124 o , prismatic – Blueblack in asbestiform RIEBECKITE aggregates, striated along (increasing magnesioriebeckite usually
Amphibole Group; good varieties Na2(Mg 3Fe2)Si8O22(OH)2 their length, and in fibrous with Fe lighter blue, riebeckite usually
to perfect in both Na2(Fe3Fe2)Si8O22(OH)2 ("asbestiform") aggregates content) darker; glaucophanes and
directions ("crocidolite") riebeckites are impossible to tell
apart without subtle chemical or
optical tests.
Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 White to Light vitreous, silky TREMOLITEACTINOLITE Monoclinic usually in bladed crystal 2.89 to 3.44 tremolite usually white to

and ~124 o , prismatic – Green to Dark in asbestiform Ca Mg Si O (OH) – aggregates, may also be (increasing greyishwhite or pale greenish
2 5 8 22 2
Amphibole Group; green varieties Ca2(Fe,Mg)5Si8O22(OH)2 somewhat acicular, tremolite with Fe white, actinolite medium to
perfect in both directions may be asbestiform content) darkgreen.
("byssolite") or in fibrous
mats ("mountain
leather,"mountain cork")
Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Brown to vitreous, silky CUMMINGTONITE Monoclinic usually in bladed crystal 3.1 to 3.6 cummingtonite usually green to

and ~124 o , prismatic – Greenishbrown to in fibrous GRUNERITE aggregates or asbestiform, (increasing greygreen, grunerite brown to
Amphibole Group; good Green or Greyish varieties Mg 7Si8O22(OH)2– may be acicular with Fe greenishbrown.
to perfect in both green content)
Fe7Si8O22(OH)2
directions
Cleavage Habit Color Luster Name System Habit SG Notes
Two Directions at ~56 o 5½ to 6 White to Grey or vitreous, silky ANTHOPHYLLITE Orthorhombic usually columnar aggregates, 3.18 to 3.57 anthophyllite usually lighter

and ~124 o , prismatic – Palegreen to in asbestiform FERROANTHOPHYLLITE may be radiating, or (increasing colors, ferroanthophyllite
Amphibole Group; Clovebrown or varieties Mg 7Si8O22(OH)2 – Fe7Si8O22(OH)2 asbestiform with Fe darker.
perfect in one direction, Darkbrown content)
imperfect in the second
Two Directions at ~56 o 5½ to 6 Pale Greenishgrey vitreous, silky GEDRITEFERROGEDRITE Orthorhombic usually in lamellar to fibrous 3.18 to 3.57 gedrite usually paler shades,

and ~124 o , prismatic – to Greenishbrown when fibrous Mg Al [Si Al O ](OH) – aggregates (increasing ferrogedrite darker.
5 2 6 2 22 2
Amphibole Group; and Brown Fe5Al2[Si6Al2O22] (OH)2 with Fe
perfect in one direction, content)
imperfect in the other
Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Black to Greenish vitreous MAGNESIOHORNBLENDE Monoclinic usually in coarsely 3.02 to 3.45 may give greygreen streak;

and ~124 o , prismatic – black or Dark FERROHORNBLENDE crystalline cleavable masses, (increasing magnesiohornblende usually
Amphibole Group; green Ca2[Mg4(Al,Fe)]Si7AlO22(OH)2 also in prismatic to acicular with Fe paler than ferrohornblende
perfect in both directions Ca2[Fe4(Al,Fe)]Si7AlO22(OH)2 crystal aggregates with the content)
crystals often displaying a
crudely pseudohexagonal
cross section, otherwise
rectangular to nearly square,
not asbestiform
Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Palegreen to vitreous, silky RICHTERITE Monoclinic usually in cleavable 2.97 to 3.45 color darkens with increasing Fe

and ~124 o , prismatic – Darkgreen, in asbestiform FERRORICHTERITE prismatic crystal aggregates (increasing content (ie: ferrorichterite).
Amphibole Group; Greyishbrown to varieties Na(Ca,Na) Mg 5Si8O22(OH)2 or stout flattened prismatic with Fe
perfect in both directions Brown, Yellow crystals, also asbestiform content)
Na(Ca,Na)Fe5Si8O22(OH)2
brown to Reddish
brown or Rosered
Two directions at nearly 5 to 6 Paleto Medium vitreous to ENSTATITE/ Orthorhombic usually granular in rocks, 3.21 to 3.60 Enstatiteferrosilite and
90 o, prismatic – green, Paleyellow subvitreous, CLINOENSTATITE & Monoclinic rarely as shortprismatic clinoenstatiteclinoferrosilite
Pyroxene Group. good to to light Yellowish may be sub Mg 2Si2O6 crystals form solid solution series. They
perfect in both directions brown, Pale metallic in the are very difficult to tell apart.
bronze ("bronzite") "bronzite" and "Bronzite" and "hypersthene" are
"hypersthene" varietal names for intermediate
varieties members of the series.

Two directions at nearly 5 to 6 Greenishbrown or vitreous to FERROSILITE/ Orthorhombic usually granular in rocks, 3.6 to 4.0 streak pale grey to pale brown;
90 o, prismatic – Brown to nearly subvitreous, CLINOFERROSILITE & Monoclinic prismatic crystals rare Enstatiteferrosilite and
Pyroxene Group. good in Black may be dull, (Fe,Mg)2Si2O6 clinoenstatite clinoferrosilite
both directions may be pearly form solid solution series. They
to sub are very difficult to tell apart.
metallic on "Bronzite" and "hypersthene" are
cleavage varietal names for intermediate
surfaces members of the series.
Two directions at nearly 5½ to 6 Pale to Dark vitreous to DIOPSIDE Monoclinic usually as equant to stout 3.22 to 3.45 white to palegreen streak; may
90 o, prismatic – green, may be subvitreous, CaMgSi2O6 prismatic crystals, slender exhibit chatoyancy and 4ray
Pyroxene Group: good White or Greenish may be dull prismatic less common, more asterism when cut and polished
to perfect in both white to Greyish rarely tabular, also massive with the correct orientation.
directions white and granular Diopside and hedenbergite form
a solid solution series. They can
be impossible to distinguish
visually. S.G. usually tells them
apart, though when of
intermediate composition this
may not do the trick.
Two directions at nearly 5½ to 6 Pale to Dark vitreous to HEDENBERGITE Monoclinic usually as massive, granular, 3.45 to 3.56 pale green to tan streak; may
90 o, prismatic – green, Brownish subvitreous, CaFe Si2O6 and as fracture fillings in exhibit chatoyancy and 4ray
Pyroxene Group: good green to Brownish may be dull rock, crystals equant to stout asterism when cut and polished
in both directions or Greenishblack prismatic, slender prismatic with the correct orientation.
less common, more rarely Diopside and hedenbergite form
tabular a solid solution series. They can
be impossible to distinguish
visually. S.G. usually tells them
apart, though when of
intermediate composition this
may not do the trick.
Two directions at nearly 5½ to 6 Greenishblack to vitreous to AUGITE Monoclinic usually granular in rocks, 3.19 to 3.56 pale brown to greenish grey
90 o, prismatic – Black, Light to subvitreous, (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6 also as somewhat flattened streak
Pyroxene Group: good Darkbrown may be dull shortprismatic crystals
in both directions
Two directions at nearly 5½ to 6 Darkgreen or vitreous to AEGIRINE (ACMITE) Monoclinic usually as slender prismatic 3.50 to 3.60 pale tan to yellow green to pale

90 o, prismatic – Reddishbrown to subvitreous, NaFeSi2O6 or acicular crystals, either in green streak
Pyroxene Group: good Black may be dull clusters in cavities or as
to perfect in both acicular aggregates in matrix
directions
Three cleavage 3, may be 2 usually Clear or vitreous to CALCITE Trigonal may be in cleavable masses 2.71 clear rhombs show a doubled
directions, rhombohedral across the White to Tan or subvitreous CaCO3 producing rhombs, granular image of print viewed through
– Trigonal Carbonates: top surface Grey, but may be luster, may be masses (limestone and them, , effervesces in cold, dilute
perfect in all three of tinted many colors waxy or dull marble), scalenohedral acid – even in vinegar or Coke
directions prismatic on weathered ("dogtooth") crystals, to a small degree. The many
crystals crystals, rhombohedral crystals, varied habits of calcite crystals
with a flat pearly on flattened rhombohedral make this one of the species that
termination cleavage ("nailhead") crystals, or a can be tough to identify by
surfaces wide variety of related crystal form alone. Few people,
shapes (there are over 800 if any, are familiar with all the
crystals forms known for this forms it takes.
species to date…)
Three cleavage 3½ to 4½ White to Grey, vitreous to MAGNESITE Trigonal usually massive, granular, 3.0 white streak; only slightly
directions, rhombohedral may be tinted subvitreous, (Calcite Group) crystals may be soluble in cold acids. No where
– Trigonal Carbonates: Yellowish to may be pearly MgCO rhombohedral or prismatic near as common as calcite or
3
perfect in all three Brownish on cleavage but are rare dolomite.
directions surfaces
Three cleavage 3½ to 4 White to Tan or usually DOLOMITE Trigonal usually as massive, granular, 2.85 streak same color as sample, but
directions, rhombohedral Pink, Grey, vitreous to CaMg(CO3)2 or in curved rhombohedral pale; effervesces in cold acid,
– Trigonal Carbonates: Greenish, tends subvitreous, crystal clusters "fingernail" though not as vigorously as
perfect in all three towards Brown but may be shape, druzes may have a calcite, may be fluorescent. The
directions with increasing Fe, pearly characteristic "saddleback" Dolomite Group minerals are
Red with Mn arrangement best told apart – and from calcite
– by their S.G. when color and
habit coincides.
Three cleavage 3½ to 4 White to Tan or usually ANKERITE Trigonal usually massive, granular, or 2.87 white streak; effervesces in cold
directions, rhombohedral Brown vitreous to (Dolomite Group) as rhombohedral crystals acids, though not as vigorously
– Trigonal Carbonates: subvitreous, Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)(CO3)2 (similar to dolomite) as calcite. Not as common as
perfect in all three but may be either calcite or dolomite. The
directions pearly Dolomite Group minerals are
best told apart – and from calcite
– by their S.G. when color and
habit coincides.
Three cleavage 3½ to 4 White to Palerose vitreous to KUTNOHORITE Trigonal usually massive crystalline 3.12 white streak; effervesces in cold

directions, rhombohedral subvitreous, (Dolomite Group) cleavable into rhombs, more acids, though not as vigorously
– Trigonal Carbonates: but may be Ca(Mn,Mg,Fe) (CO3)2 rarely as rhombohedral as calcite. Rare. The Dolomite
perfect in all three pearly crystals Group minerals are best told
directions apart – and from calcite – by
their S.G. when color and habit
coincides.
Three cleavage 3½ to 4 Pink to Red, in vitreous to RHODOCHROSITE Trigonal usually in coarsely 3.5 to white streak; only slightly
directions, rhombohedral various shades, subvitreous, (Calcite Group) crystalline cleavable masses, 3.7(pure) soluble in cold acids.
– Trigonal Carbonates: also more rarely may be pearly MnCO crystals rhombohedral, may Uncommon.
3
perfect in all three Yellowgrey or on cleavage also be botryoidal and
directions Tan to Brown surfaces globular with concentric
banding, and stalactic
Three cleavage 4 to 4½ Greyishwhite to vitreous to SMITHSONITE Trigonal usually in botryoidal, 4.2 (pure) white streak; soluble in cold
directions, rhombohedral Darkgrey, subvitreous, (Calcite Group) reniform, and stalactic acids, though not with the
– Trigonal Carbonates: Greenish or may look ZnCO3 masses, rhombohedral vigorous effervescence of
perfect in all three Brownishwhite, somewhat crystals rare and usually calcite.
directions may be Green to porcelainlike crude with somewhat curved
Applegreen, Blue and rough surfaces, druzy
to Bluegreen,
Yellow, Pink or
Brown
Three cleavage 3½ to 4 Darkbrown to Tan vitreous to SIDERITE Trigonal usually in cleavable coarsely 3.8 to 4.0 white streak; somewhat soluble
directions, rhombohedral to Cream, may be subvitreous, (Calcite Group) crystalline masses, though in cold acids, but with little or
– Trigonal Carbonates: Blackishbrown may be oily to FeCO not cleavable into rhombs, no effervescence
3
perfect in all three due to weathering resinous on crystals rhombohedral, more
directions weathered, rarely tabular, very rarely
oxidized prismatic
surfaces
Three cleavage 3 to 5 Colorless to vitreous to CHABAZITE Triclinic, usually as distorted cubes or 1.97 to 2.20 streak white; partially dissolved
directions – perfect to White, may be subvitreous (Zeolite Group) pseudo pseudorhombohedral in cold acids producing a gel,
distinct in all three tinted various trigonal crystals (actually composed may be fluorescent.
(Ca0.5,K,Na)4[Al4Si8O22].12H2O
directions, rhombohedral colors of six triclinic twins), rarely
prismatic or tabular, then
somewhat lens or bean
shaped ("phacolitic")
Three cleavage 4 to 4½ Colorless to vitreous to LEVYNE Trigonal usually as small to tiny platy 2.09 to 2.16 streak white; Rare.
directions – perfect to White, may be subvitreous (Zeolite Group) hexagonal crystals
distinct in all three tinted various
(Ca0.5,Na,K)6[Al6Si1 2O36].~17H2O
directions, rhombohedral colors
Three cleavage 3 to 4 White usually vitreous, LAUMONTITE Monoclinic usually as simple prismatic 2.20 to 2.41 white streak; crystals may have
directions – Perfect in tinted other colors pearly on (Zeolite Group) crystals with a square cross chalky white coatings due to
two directions, imperfect cleavage section, more rarely as dehydration, may be
Ca4[Al8Si1 6O48].18H2O
in a third, all prismatic surface, equant crystals fluorescent. Rare.
chalky when
dehydrated
Three cleavage 3 to 3½ Colorless to vitreous to ANHYDRITE Orthorhombic usually in coarsely 2.98 white streak; dissolves in cold
directions – one White, usually subvitreous, CaSO4 crystalline masses showing acids without effervescence
cleavage perfect, one tinted other colors may be pearly pseudocubic cleavage, or
imperfect, both on cleavage granular or fibrous, crystals
prismatic, one good, surfaces uncommon and usually
basal equant or thick tabular
Three cleavage 3 to 3½ Colorless to White vitreous, BARITE Orthorhombic usually in clusters or 4.5 heavy for its size. The three
directions – Perfect in or Greyishwhite, pearly on BaSO4 aggregates of platy to tabular members of the Barite Group are
two directions, basal and may be tinted basal cleavage crystals most easily told apart by their
prismatic, imperfect in a other colors, streak surfaces S.G.s. Anglesite is noticeably
third, prismatic (rhombic white heavier than the other two, barite
overall) may feel heavier than celestite.
Three cleavage 3 to 3½ White to Greyish vitreous, CELESTITE (Celestine) Orthorhombic usually in clusters or 3.95 to 3.97 somewhat heavy for its size. The
directions – Perfect in white, Blue, may pearly on (Barite Group) aggregates of platy to tabular three members of the Barite
one direction, basal, be tinted other basal cleavage SrSO crystals Group are most easily told apart
4
good in a second and fair colors, streak surfaces, by their S.G.s. Anglesite is
to poor in a third, both white noticeably heavier than the
prismatic (rhombic other two, barite may feel
overall) heavier than celestite.
Three cleavage 2½ to 3 Colorless to White adamantine to ANGLESITE Orthorhombic usually in crystalline masses, 6.2 to 6.4 streak white; very heavy.
directions – one distinct or Greyishwhite sub (Barite Group) crystals usually small and Massive material may be
(prismatic), second to Greyishbrown adamantine, PbSO4 tabular, rarely prismatic difficult to distinguish from
direction good (basal), may be cerussite if cleavages can't be
and fair to poor in a vitreous to seen. The three members of the
third, (prismatic); resinous on Barite Group are most easily told
rhombic overall – may some surfaces apart by their S.G.s. Anglesite is
be difficult to see all noticeably heavier than the
three other two, barite may feel
heavier than celestite.

Three cleavage 3 to 3½ Colorless to White vitreous ANHYDRITE Orthorhombic usually in coarsely 2.9 to 2.98 white streak;
directions – perfect in or Greyishwhite, and/or pearly. CaSO4 crystalline masses exhibiting
two directions, prismatic, may be tinted pseudocubic cleavage, or in
good to imperfect in a other colors granular masses with no
thrid, basal apparent cleavage, crystals
rare and usually equant or
thick tabular
Four cleavage directions 4 Colorless, Green, vitreous FLUORITE Isometric usually in cubic crystals or 3.18 streak white; often fluorescent.
perfect in all four Purple, Blue, CaF2 coarsely crystalline masses The term fluorescent is derived
directions, octahedral Yellow, Pink exhibiting octahedral from this mineral's name.
cleavage, crystals may also
be octahedral
Four cleavage directions 5 to 6 White to Grey, vitreous to MARIALITEMEIONITE Tetragonal usually massive, either 2.55 to 2.72 may fluoresce yellow. It is
imperfect to distinct in Yellowish, subvitreous, (Scapolite series) columnar or fibrous, with almost impossible to tell the end
two directions, good in Brownish, Orange, may be dull columnar masses exhibiting members of this complex series
3NaAlSi3O8.NaCl –
two directions, all Purple also cleavage surfaces, also as apart without subtle chemical or
prismatic 3CaAl2Si2O8.CaCO3 short to medium prismatic optical tests. Intermediate
crystals with bipyramidal member, wernerite, is probably
terminations, usually the most common chemical form
somewhat crude found – though it is not
recognized as a species in spite
of evidence that it should be. It
is probably best to label samples
of these materials simply as
scapolite, unless specific
locality information dictates
otherwise
Six cleavage directions 3½ to 4 Brown to Black, resinous, but SPHALERITE Isometric usually in coarsely 3.9 to 4.1 brown to yellow streak
perfect in all six Yellowbrown to may be oily or (Zn,Fe)S crystalline cleavable masses
directions, dodecahedral, Greenishyellow submetallic exhibiting seemingly
but difficult to produce brown, may also on cleavage chaotic cleavage surfaces,
in some of them be Red in small surfaces and and as small tetrahedral
crystals adamantine in (wedgeshaped) or
small crystals dodecahedral (soccer ball
shaped) crystals, larger
crystals tend to be somewhat
crude and rough surfaced
aggregates
Six cleavage directions 5½ to 6 MediumBlue to vitreous to SODALITE Isometric usually as granular masses or 2.14 to 2.30 white to very pale blue streak;

poor to distinct in all six Violetblue, subvitreous, Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2 grains in matrix, sometimes usually associated with
directions, dodecahedral, Greyishwhite to may be crudely cleavable, crystals nepheline – never with quartz.
may not be seen White, more rarely somewhat dull rare, usually dodecahedral to
Greenish or in massive cubododecahedral, rarely
Yellowishwhite material octahedral
Six cleavage directions 5 to 5½ Deepblue to dull to LAZURITE Isometric, usually as compact massive 2.38 to 2.45 bright blue streak; usually found
poor to distinct in all six MediumBlue or vitreous (Sodalite Group) Triclinic, and material or grains, crystals with pyrite.
directions, dodecahedral, Violetblue, may (Na,Ca)78(Al,Si)12(O,S)24[(SO4),Cl2, Monoclinic rare, usually wellformed
may not be seen be Greenishblue, (OH)2] polytypes dodecahedral to cubo
Colorless dodecahedral
Notes:
Single and double cleavage direction Zeolites can be difficult to tell apart. Hardness may help to distinguish the harder and softer species from one another, and
crystal habit and form may help to tell some species apart. In general, habits and forms taken with hardnesses are the best indicators.
Amphiboles are a large and difficult group to tell apart. The best bet is sitespecific knowledge.
Pyroxenes can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Locality information is usually the best bet for determining what you have.
Table IID2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness greater than 3 but less than 5½, Cleavage not prominent: (Can not be scratched by a copper penny, can be scratched by a
knife, streak white or none.)
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit SG Notes
2½ to 3 Brightyellow, Orange sub WULFENITE Tetragonal, usually as thin platy to thin tabular crystals, 6.7 to 7.0
yellow, Orange, Red, adamantine to PbMoO4 rarely pyramidal, more rarely prismatic
Grey, Green, White vitreous, may
be greasy
2½ to 3 Orangered to Rubyred, subvitreous to VANADINITE Hexagonal usually in barrelshaped hexagonal crystals, 6.88 streak white, may be yellowish
Brownishred to subresinous (Apatite Group) long or short prismatic, may be acicular in
Brownishyellow or Pb 5(VO4)3Cl clusters or mats ("endlichite"), and as hollow
pale Strawyellow prisms – "hopper" crystals
2½ to 4, rarely Applegreen to Yellow subvitreous to ANTIGORITE/LIZARDITE/ Monoclinic, usually as crystalline masses, often platy or 2.4 to white streak; feels greasy. These Serpentine
5 to 6 in dense green, Darkgreen to greasy AMESITE Orthorhombic columnar 2.79 minerals are almost impossible to tell apart,
massive Dark Greygreen, (Serpentine Group) and Triclinic particularly in massive forms. They may
material Greenishblack, White, Generally coexist at the same locality. Specific locality
often mottled (Mg,Al)3(Si,AL)2O5(OH)4 information may be the best bet for the ID.

3, but may be usually Clear or White vitreous to CALCITE Trigonal may be in banded masses or stalactic 2.71 White streak; effervesces in cold, dilute acid –
2 across the to Tan or Grey, but may subvitreous (certain massive forms) ("flowstone"), granular masses (limestone even in vinegar or Coke to a small degree
top surface of be tinted many colors CaCO3 and marble), or fibrous
prismatic
crystals with a
flat
termination
3 to 3½ Colorless to White or vitreous to WITHERITE Orthorhombic, in coarse fibrous aggregates, may be 4.29 often hazed, will effervesce in cold acid.
Greyishwhite, may be subvitreous (certain massive forms pseudo radiating, and granular, more rarely as
tinted other colors Aragonite Group) hexagonal globular to botryoidal clusters
BaCO3
3½ Brightgreen to Yellow subvitreous to PYROMORPHITE Hexagonal usually in barrelshaped hexagonal crystals, 7.04 white streak; difficult to distinguish from
green, Yellow to resinous (Apatite Group) may also be spindleshaped, hollow – mimetite without tests for PO4 vs. AsO4.
Orangeyellow, Brown, Pb 5(PO4)3Cl "hopper" crystals – and rarely tabular or
White, colorless pyramidal, crystals may exhibit concentric
color or structural zones due to zoned
variations in composition
3½ to 4 Paleyellow to Yellow subvitreous to MIMETITE Hexagonal usually in simple barrelshaped crystals, 7.28 streak white; Difficult to distinguish from
brown, Orangeyellow resinous (Apatite Group) rarely tabular to acicular, may be botryoidal pyromorphite without tests for AsO4 vs. PO4.
to Orangered, White or Pb 5(AsO4)3Cl or globular Named for the fact that it closely mimics
Colorless pyromorphite.
3½ to 4 Colorless to White or vitreous to ARAGONITE Orthorhombic in columnar, radiating or stellate aggregates, 2.95 often fluorescent, pale rose, yellow or bluish
Grey, may be tinted subvitreous or (certain massive forms) also stalactic white, effervesces in cold acids. Distinguished
other colors resinous CaCO3 from calcite by its greater hardness and higher
S.G.
3½ to 4 Colorless to White or vitreous to STRONTIANITE Orthorhombic in granular or fibrous aggregates, may be 3.76 effervesces mildly in cold acids
Grey, may be tinted subvitreous, (Aragonite Group) columnar, crystals short prismatic to
other colors silky when SrCO3 acicular, often pseudohexagonal in cross
fibrous section (Carich)
3½ to 4½ White to Grey, may be vitreous to MAGNESITE Trigonal usually massive, granular, crystals may be 3.0 white streak; only slightly soluble in cold
tinted Yellowish to subvitreous, (Calcite Group) rhombohedral or prismatic but are rare acids.
Brownish may be pearly MgCO3
on cleavage
surfaces

3½ to 4 White to Greyishwhite, dull to sub ALUNITE Trigonal usually massive, granular to dense, as a rock 2.6 to 2.9
Reddish to Reddish vitreous KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 with quartz, kaolinite, etc
brown, Yellowish
3½ to 4 Yellowishgreen, Green vitreous to WAVELLITE Orthorhombic usually stellate or hemispherical radial fibers 2.36 white streak; dissolves in cold acids with no
to Yellow, Yellow pearly or Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)3.5H2O or acicular crystals effervescence.
brown, Brown, more resinous
rarely Blue, White,
Colorless
4 to 4½ Greyishwhite to Dark vitreous to SMITHSONITE Trigonal usually in botryoidal, reniform, and stalactic 4.2 (pure) white streak; soluble in cold acids, though not
grey, Greenish or subvitreous, (Calcite Group) masses, rhombohedral crystals rare and with the vigorous effervescence of calcite
Brownishwhite, may be may look ZnCO3 usually crude with somewhat curved and
Green to Applegreen, somewhat rough surfaces, druzy
Blue to Bluegreen, porcelainlike
Yellow, Pink or Brown
4½ to 5 Colorless to White, may vitreous, HEMIMORPHITE Orthorhombic usually in radiating clusters of acicular or 3.4 to 3.5 may resemble prehnite in its botryoidal form,
be Paleyellow, Pale pearly on some Zn Si O (OH) .H O somewhat flattened long prismatic crystals, but S.G. is higher.
4 2 7 2 2
green, Skyblue, Pale cleavage may also be in thick botryoidal crusts of
brown surfaces thick to almost fibrous radiating crystals
4½ to 5 White to Colorless, vitreous to SCHEELITE Tetragonal usually as grains or flakes, crystals rare and 6.1 white streak; fluoresces intense bluewhite,
Paleyellow, Palegreen, adamantine CaWO4 usually either platy to thin tabular or short more rarely yellowish white.
Paleorange prismatic bipyramids
4½ to 5 White, Palepink, Pale vitreous to PECTOLITE Triclinic usually in acicular sprays or radial fibrous 2.84 to partly decomposed in acid forming a gelatin
tan, Paleblue silky in fibrous (Wollastonite Group) aggregates 2.90
material NaCa2Si3O8(OH)
5 to 5½ Palepink, Colorless to usually NATROLITE Orthorhombic usually as long slender needles in stellate 2.20 to white streak; dissolves in cold acids
White, may be Grey or vitreous to (Zeolite Group) clusters or radial aggregates, may also be in 2.27
other colors silky in finer jackstraw clusters
Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O
acicular
aggregates, but
may be dull or
even greasy
5 to 5½ Colorless to White, may vitreous ANALCIME Polymorphous usually in cubic or trapezohedral crystals or 2.22 to dissolves in cold acids
be Yellow, Pink, or (Zeolite Group) (Iso., Tet., finegrained masses, more rarely in other 2.63
other colors Orth., Mon., crystal forms
Na[AlSi2O6].H2O
Tric., Trig.)
5 to5½ White, usually tinted vitreous to DATOLITE Monoclinic may be either platy to short prismatic or 2.9 to 3.0 white streak; may show an imperfect basal

Palegreen, may be Pale greasy (Gadolinite Group) blocky crystals, more rarely as spherical cleavage, may fluoresce
blue Ca2B2Si2O8(OH) aggregates or massive, granular to compact

5 to 6 White, Yellow, Red, OPAL Amorphous glassy massive material, as fracture fillings, 1.9 to 2.1 distinguished from massive quartz by lower
Brown, Black SiO2.nH2O coatings, "nodules," etc. hardness and S.G. Precious opal has an intense
internal play of colors – flashes off minute
fracture surfaces beneath the surface; in fire opal
the flashes are predominantly reds, yellows and
oranges against a black background. Common
opal is "opalescent," but without the intense
flashes of colors.
5 to 6 White to Grey, vitreous to MARIALITEMEIONITE Tetragonal usually massive, either columnar or fibrous, 2.55 to may fluoresce yellow. It is almost impossible to
Yellowish, Brownish, subvitreous, (Scapolite series) (columnar masses may exhibit prismatic 2.72 tell the end members of this series apart without
Orange, Purple may be dull cleavage surfaces), also as short to medium subtle chemical or optical tests. Intermediate
3NaAlSi3O8. NaCl
prismatic crystals with bipyramidal member, wernerite, is probably the most
3CaAl2Si2O8.CaCO3
terminations, usually somewhat crude common , though it is not recognized as a
species. It is best to label samples of these
materials simply as scapolite, unless specific
locality information dictates otherwise.
5 White to Colorless, vitreous to FLUORAPATITE Hexagonal variable, may be massive, compact or 3.1 to 3.2 white streak;
Greens, Blues, subvitreous, (Apatite Group) granular, and may be in short to long Closely related members of the Group include
Lavender, Yellows, may be dull in Ca (PO ) F prismatic crystals with a wide variety of chlorapatite, hydroxylapatite, carbonate
5 43
Purples massive habits, the hexagonal prism with pyramidal fluorapatite and carbonatehydroxylapatite,
material termination(s) being the most common, but which can be difficult to distinguish from
may also be shortprismatic and even fluorapatite – but they are rare
bipyramidal without the prism in between,
also acicular
5 to 5½ Yellowish or Reddish resinous to MONAZITE Monoclinic usually in crude blocky to tabular crystals, 4.6 to 5.3, streak very pale brown; may be radioactive.
brown to Brown, Pale waxy (Ce,La,Y,Th)PO4 may be large, also as rounded grains increasing
green to nearly White with Th
content
5 to 5½ Lightgreen to Yellow vitreous, WILLEMITE Trigonal usually massively crystalline or granular, 4.05 to fluoresces bright green
green, Yellowbrown to occasionally Zn 2SiO4 rarely in prismatic hexagonal crystals 4.20
Reddishbrown, resinous
Colorless
5½ to 6 MediumBlue to Violet vitreous to SODALITE Isometric usually as granular masses or grains in 2.14 to white to very pale blue streak; may be

blue, Greyishwhite to subvitreous Na8Al6Si6O24Cl2 matrix, sometimes crudely cleavable, 2.30 somewhat dull in massive material, usually
White, more rarely crystals rare, usually dodecahedral to cubo associated with nephaline – never with quartz.
Greenish or Yellowish dodecahedral, rarely octahedral
white
5 to 5½ Deepblue to Medium LAZURITE Isometric, usually as compact massive material or 2.38 to luster dull to vitreous, usually found with pyrite
Blue or Violetblue, (Sodalite Group) Triclinic, and grains, crystals rare, usually wellformed 2.45
may be Greenishblue, (Na,Ca)7 Monoclinic dodecahedral to cubododecahedral
Colorless polytypes
8(Al,Si)12(O,S)24[(SO4),Cl 2,
(OH)2]
Table IIIA1: Hardness greater than 5½ but less than 7; Cleavage prominent (Can not be scratched by a knife, can be scratched by quartz.)
Perfect in one 4 to 5 Blue, Green, Grey, White, Vitreous to sub KYANITE Triclinic Usually in bladed aggregates, 3.56 to 3.67 only common mineral in
direction (prismatic) parallel to very rarely Black vitreous Al2SiO5 parallel or radiating, may also which the hardness is so
cleavage be single flattened prismatic notably different along its
and crystal crystals length vs. across its width.
faces, 6 to 7
across
crystal and
cleavage
faces
Perfect in one 5 to 6½ Lightbrown to Black Resinous or ALLANITE(Ce) Monoclinic usually in coarsely crystalline 3.4 to 4.2 may give a light brown
direction (prismatic) pitchy/ (Epidote Group) massive form, crystals not streak; Allanite(La) and
submetallic (Ce,Ca,Y)2(Al,Fe,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH) seen (metamict), may also be Allanite(Y) are closely
finer grained with no apparent related species, but
cleavage extremely rare. Most of the
Epidote group minerals
may exhibit a second, poor,
cleavage, but it is usually
not seen. See also
clinozoisite below.
Perfect in one 6½ to 7 Green to Yellowgreen, vitreous to sub EPIDOTE Monoclinic usually in short to long 3.38 to 3.49 Over 200 different forms are

direction (prismatic) Yellow, Grey, Brownish vitreous , dull in Ca2(Fe,AL)3(SiO4)3(OH) prismatic crystals, may also be known; Commonest of the
green, Greenishblack, weathered thick tabular or acicular; also Epidote Group
Black crystals and massive, coarse to fine species.Most of the Epidote
massive materials granular, rarely fibrous group minerals may exhibit
a second, poor, cleavage,
but it is usually not seen.
See also clinozoisite below.
Perfect in one 6 to 7 Grey, Green to Yellowish vitreous, may be ZOISITE Orthorhombic usually in aggregates of crude 3.15 to 3.36 The blue gem variety
direction (prismatic) green, Pinkish, Brown, Blue, pearly on (Epidote Group) parallel crystals with vertical "tanzanite" and pink gem
Purple, Colorless cleavage surfaces Ca Al (SiO ) (OH) striations on the faces, more variety "thulite" are rare.
2 3 43
rarely as wellformed Most of the Epidote group
prismatic crystals in clusters minerals may exhibit a
or singly second, poor, cleavage, but
it is usually not seen. See
also clinozoisite below.
Perfect in one 6½ to 7 Colorless to White, Grey, vitreous to SILLIMANITE Orthorhombic usually as crude prismatic 3.23 to 3.27 surfaces often rough and
direction (prismatic) Palebrown to Paleyellow, subvitreous, silky Al2SiO5 crystals with a nearly square altering to muscovite,
more rarely Paleblue to in fibrous crosssection, may be in restricted to high
Palegreen material, may be columnar to fibrous temperature and pressure
dull on weathered aggregates ("fibrolite") metamorphic environments
surfaces
Two cleavage 6½ to 7 White to Greyishwhite, vitreous to sub DIASPORE Orthorhombic usually in thin platy 3.35 to 3.45 very brittle. Often mistaken
directions at or nearly Colorless, Pinkishwhite to adamantine, AlO(OH) crystalline aggregates, for milky to greyish quartz.
90 o. Perfect in one Palelavender, more rarely "brilliant" crystals thin, platy, may be
direction (prismatic) Greenish to Yellowish, prismatic or acicular, rarely
Brown, Rosered to Darkred tabular
Perfect in two 6 Brown to Greenishbrown, Vitreous PIGEONITE Monoclinic Usually as matrixbound 3.17 to 3.46 Often inverts to augite after
directions (prismatic) Colorless, Black (Pyroxene Group) crystalline grains in cooled cooling. Relatively rare
(Mg,Fe,Ca)(Mg,Fe)Si2O lavas compared to other
Pyroxenes
Perfect in two 6½ to 7 Grey to White, Colorless, vitreous to sub SPODUMENE Monoclinic usually in crude twofaced 3.03 to 3.23 Crystals often very large, to
directions (prismatic) Tan, Yellow, Palegreen to vitreous (Pyroxene Group) crystals with a wedgeshaped 1 meter or more, crystals
Brightgreen ("hiddenite"), LiAlSi2O6 cross section, third face of faces usually have a wood
Pink to Lilac to Violet triangle not developed, also grain look to them, gem
("kunzite") as prismatic flattened crystals, quality material often with
terminations rare acidetched crystal faces,
heavily vertically striated.
perfect in two 6 to 7 Darkgreen to Medium vitreous to sub JADEITE Monoclinic usually in compact massive 3.24 to 3.43 massive material often a

directions (prismatic), Green to (more rarely) Pale vitreous, may be (Pyroxene Group) material, granular or short mix of jadeite and diopside,
often not apparent green, White to Grey or dull in granular Na(Al,Fe)Si2O6 fibrous, with cleavage not crystals extremely rare. [See
Bluishgrey, Lavender to material apparent also the softer Pyroxene
Violet Group minerals, IID, two
cleavage directions, The
hardness of many of them
spans the 5 to 6 range, so
they may key out to this
point.]
Perfect in one 6 to 6½ White to colorless, Cream to vitreous to sub MICROCLINE Triclinic usually as coarsely crystalline 2.54 to 2.57 Microcline and orthoclase
direction, good in the Tan and Paleyellow, vitreous, may (Feldspar Group) rockforming masses or can be difficult to tell apart,
second (prismatic) Salmonpink to Red, Green exhibit KAlSi3O8 macrocrystals in the 1 meter particularly when they
to Bluegreen opalescence to 10s of meters range, smaller occur together in granites
("adularia") crystals usually short and pegmatites. The best
prismatic to blocky, often bet in such cases is locality
twinned specific information.
Perfect in one 6 to 6½ White to colorless, Cream to vitreous to sub ORTHOCLASE Monoclinic usually massive, coarsely 2.55 to 2.63 Microcline and orthoclase
direction, imperfect in Tan to Paleyellow, Pink to vitreous, may be (Feldspar Group) crystalline to granular, can be difficult to tell apart,
the second (prismatic) Brownishred dull in granular KalSi3O8 crystals usually short particularly when they
masses, may prismatic, blocky, often occur together in granites
exhibit pale blue twinned and pegmatites. The best
to white bet in such cases is locality
opalescence specific information.
("moonstone")
Perfect in one 6 to 6½ White to Lightgrey and vitreous, ALBITE – ANORTHITE Triclinic usually massive, coarsely 2.60 to 2.65 S.G. increases with
direction, good in the Colorless, in albite, may be labradorite (Plagioclase Series) crystalline, platy lamellar (albite) replacement of Na by Ca
second (prismatic) tinged blue or green, exhibits NaAlSi3O8 – CaAl2Si2O8 habit in albite 2.63 to 2.66 and addition of Al,
darkening to Darkgrey to opalescence/ ("cleavlandite"), more (oligoclase) members to the albite end
Black in anorthite, "labradorescence" randomly oriented and 2.66 to 2.68 of the series most easily
intermediate members smaller grains in anorthite end (andesine) distinguished from other
medium to darker greys of the series, including 2.68 to 2.74 feldspars by fine, closely
(rarer than end members) labradorite, crystals usually (labradorite) spaced striations on the
tabular and usually twinned 2.72 to 2.75 {001} cleavage plane,
in albite, usually short (bytownite) members towards the
prismatic and twinned in 2.74 to 2.76 anorthite end of the series
anorthite, crystals rare in (anorthite) by their dark color and
intermediate members randomly oriented grains in
massive materials.
Intermediate members
usually difficult to
distinguish from one
another.
Perfect in one 5½ to 6½ Pink to Rosered to vitreous to sub RHODONITE Triclinic usually massive, coarse to fine 3.55 to 3.76 often coated and/or veined

direction (prismatic), Brownishred, may also be vitreous, may be (Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca) SiO3 granular, crystals tabular to with black Mnoxides due
good in the other Orangishred in some dull in massive equant, rare to chemical weathering
(pinacoidal) weathered material material ("spiderweb" veining).
Perfect in one 5½ to 6 vitreous to splendant Black to dark BABINGTONITE Triclinic usually as equant to short 3.34 to 3.48 may give a greenish to
direction (prismatic), Greenishblack (Rhodonite Group) prismatic crystals brownishgrey streak;
imperfect in the other Ca2(Fe,Mn)FeSi5O14(OH) usually associated with
(pinacoidal) zeolites in basalts
("traprock") more rarely in
granitic rocks. Rare.
Perfect in one 5 to 5½ Yellowishbrown to vitreous to sub TITANITE ("SPHENE") Monoclinic usually in crude blocky to 3.48 to 3.60 streak white to pale brown;
direction, imperfect in Greenishbrown vitreous, may be CaTiSiO5 stout prismatic crystals,
the second direction somewhat wedgeshaped
(both prismatic) resinous or oily.
Perfect in two 6½ Pale Yellowishgrey to vitreous to sub CLINOZOISITE Monoclinic usually as massive, granular 3.21 to 3.38 distinguished from other
directions (prismatic Yellowish vitreous (Epidote Group) to fibrous, crystals prismatic, common Epidote group
and pinacoidal) green, Colorless, Palerose Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) often striated minerals by its second
to Red perfect cleavage.
perfect in one 5½ to 6 White to Milky or Cream vitreous to greasy AMBLYGONITE Triclinic usually as crude equant to 3.11 It is impossible to tell the
direction (prismatic), white, Grey, Yellowish to MONTEBRASITE shortprismatic crystals, may two end members apart
imperfect in another Tan or Beige, Salmonpink, LiAl(PO4)F – LiAl(PO4)(OH) be extremely large (meter without subtle optical tests.
(pinacoidal), distinct may also be Greenish or scale), and as massive Locality info may not help;
in a third (prismatic), Bluish, Colorless crystalline, coarse to fine eg. "amblygonite"
and may have a granular specimens from Maine
fourth, good, pegmatites have been
direction (prismatic) shown to actually be
montebrasite. It is probably
best to label specimens as
shown under Name unless
there is proof positive of
which end member you
have
Note: Two cleavage directions at ~56o and ~124o = Amphibole Group. A number of the Amphiboles have hardnesses in the 5 to 6 range, spanning previous sections
and this one, and may key out to this point. See IID1.
Table IIIA2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness Greater Than 5½ and Less Than 7; Cleavage not prominent. (Can not be scratched by a knife blade, but can be scratched by
quartz)
5 to 5½ Colorless to White, vitreous to greasy DATOLITE Monoclinic may be either platy to short 2.9 to 3.0 white streak, may show an imperfect basal cleavage,
usually tinted Pale (Gadolinite Group) prismatic or blocky crystals, may fluoresce.
green, may be Pale Ca2B2Si2O8(OH)2 more rarely as spherical
blue aggregates or massive,
granular to compact
5 to 6 White, Yellow, Red, glassy OPAL amorphous massive, as fracture fillings, 1.9 to 2.1 distinguished from massive quartz by lower
Brown, Black SiO2.nH2O coatings, "nodules," etc. hardness and S.G.; Precious opal has an intense play
of colors – flashes of minute fracture surfaces
beneath the surface; in fire opal the flashes are
predominantly reds, yellows and oranges against a
black background. Common opal is "opalescent,"
but without the intense flashes of color.
5 to 5½ Azureblue to Sky vitreous to subvitreous LAZULITESCORZALITE Monoclinic usually as finely crystalline 3.08 to white streak; Rare.
blue, more rarely MgAl2(PO4)2 (OH)2 – crusts or granular, crystals 3.38
Bluishwhite to FeAl2(PO4)2(OH)2 rare and usually millimeter (increases
Bluishgreen size, acutely pyramidal, with Fe
tabular content)
5 to 6 Skyblue to Bluish vitreous to subvitreous TURQUOISE Triclinic usually massive in crusts and 2.6 to 2.8 white to palegreen streak, may exhibit a perfect
green to Applegreen, CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8.4H2O fracture fillings, dense to cleavage (pinacoidal), but rarely seen.
Greengrey finely crystalline, crystals
rare, shortprismatic
5 to 6 White to Grey, MARIALITEMEIONITE Tetragonal usually massive, either 2.55 to may fluoresce yellow. It is almost impossible to tell
Yellowish, Brownish, (Scapolite series) columnar or fibrous 2.72 the end members apart without subtle chemical or
Orange, Purple 3NaAlSi3O8.NaCl – (columnar masses may optical tests. An intermediate member, wernerite, is
3CaAl2Si2O8.CaCO3 exhibit prismatic cleavage probably the most common chemical form found –
surfaces), also as short to though it is not recognized as a species. It is
medium prismatic crystals probably best to label samples of these materials
with bipyramidal simply as scapolite, unless specific locality
terminations, usually information dictates otherwise.
somewhat crude
5½ Lightgreen to Yellow vitreous, to resinous WILLEMITE Trigonal usually massively crystalline 4.05 to fluoresces bright green

green, Yellowbrown (Phenakite Group) or granular, rarely in 4.20
to Reddishbrown, Zn 2SiO4 prismatic hexagonal crystals
Colorless
5½ to 6 Greyishwhite to vitreous to subvitreous, LEUCITE Tetragonal usually massive, granular, 2.45 to restricted to mafic and ultramafic volcanic and
White, Colorless may be dull K(AlSi2O6) and Isometric disseminated grains, crystals 2.50 hypabyssal rocks.
equant or blocky (soccer ball
shaped), often multiply
twinned
5½ to 6 White, often tinted vitreous to greasy NEPHELINE Hexagonal usually as crystalline grains 2.55 to may exhibit a distinct prismatic cleavage in
yellowish or greenish, (Na,K)AlSiO4 or massively crystalline, 2.67 massively crystalline material, but rarely seen.
Grey, Reddishbrown crystals rare, hexagonal
prisms with pinacoidal or
pyramidal terminations
5½ to 6 Black to Lightbrown resinous or pitchy, may ALLANITE(Ce) Monoclinic usually massive, may be 3.4 to 4.2 may give a lightbrown streak, Allanite(La) and
appear submetallic (Epidote Group) platy, metamict, crystals allanite(Y) are closely related species, but very rare.
(Ce,Ca,Y)2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH) extremely rare or unknown?
5½ to 6½ Colorless to White or vitreous EUCRYPTITE Trigonal usually coarsely crystalline, 2.66 soluble in acid producing silica gel, fluoresces

Greyishwhite, Pale (Phenakite Group) granular or compact, crystals bright pink to red.
tan LiAlSiO4 equant
5 to 6½ Green or Chartreuse, vitreous to subvitreous VESUVIANITE Tetragonal usually as stout prismatic 3.32 to usually restricted to skarns, rodingites, and certain

Yellow to Yellow ("Idocrase") crystals 3.43 alkali syenites, and calcsilicate rocks.
green to Yellow Ca10Mg 2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2O7)2(OH)4
Brown to Brown, Pink
to Red, Black, White,
Purple, Blue
6 to 6½ Paleyellow, vitreous to greasy CHONDRODITE Monoclinic usually in equant crystalline 3.1 to soluble in acids producing silica gel, may fluoresce
Brownishred to (Humite Group) grains, crystals equant, 3.23 yellowishwhite to yellow.
Reddish or Greenish (Mg,Fe)5(SiO4)2(F,OH)2 blocky
brown, Paleorange
6 to 6½ Yellow to Dark vitreous to subvitreous HUMITE Orthorhombic usually in equant crystalline 3.20 to soluble in acids producing silica gel. Relatively
orange, Reddish (Mg,Fe)7(SiO4)3(F,OH)2 grains, crystals extremely 3.32 rare.
orange rare, also equant, blocky
6 to 6½ Pale to Medium vitreous to subvitreous, PREHNITE Orthorhombic usually botryoidal to 2.90 to Slowly soluble in HCl producing silica gel. Often
green, Paleyellow, may be somewhat pearly on Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2 mammillary aggregates 2.95 associated with Zeolites in traprock.
Tan to Pinkishtan, freshly broken exposures encrusting matrix, also
Grey to White stalactic and as radiating
"bowtie" or "hourglass"
aggregates, crystals extremely
rare, shortprismatic to tabular
6 to 6½ Dark Reddishbrown usually subadamantine to RUTILE Tetragonal usually as prismatic to 4.18 to Often as an inclusion in quartz
to Black adamantine, but may also TiO2 acicular crystals, often 5.25
be metallic reticulated, may be vertically
striated
6½ Black metallic to submetallic PYROLUSITE Tetragonal usually in earthy masses with 5 may exhibit one perfect cleavage, prismatic
(Rutile Group) a much lower hardness (2),
MnO2 but actual crystals are 6½,
rare, shortprismatic to
equant, usually in druzes of
small crystals
6 to 7 Black to Darkbrown, adamantine to metallic in CASSITERITE Tetragonal usually massive as botryoidal 6.8 to 7.1
may also be crystals, greasy on fracture (Rutile Group) crusts or concretions ("wood
Yellowishgrey, more surfaces, may be earthy or SnO2 tin"), crystals usually short
rarely Red, White or submetallic in botryoids, prismatic and complexly
Colorless concretions, and massive twinned producing unusual
forms shapes ("knees," stubby five
pointed "stars," etc.)
6½ to 7 Grey to Bluishgrey, vitreous to subvitreous FERROAXINITE – Triclinic usually as thin wedgeshaped 3.23 to End members difficult to distinguish, though low
Brown to Honey MANGANAXINITE "axhead" crystals, often 3.32 end and high end S.G. may do the trick. Magnesio
brown or Yellow to Ca2FeAl2BSi4O15(OH) – arranged in rosettes (ferro), axinite and tinzenite are two rare related species.
Goldenbrown, more 3.30 to
Ca2MnAl2BSi4O15(OH)
rarely Green or Violet 3.36
(mangan)
6½ to 7 Paleyellow to Olive vitreous to subvitreous FAYALITE – FORSTERITE Orthorhombic usually as crystalline massive 4.39 End members distinguished by S.G. and luster.
green to Olivebrown, (forsterite) or submetallic to (Olivine Group) or granular, crystals short (fayalite) "Peridot" is the name for gem material in the
Black dull (fayalite) Fe2(SiO4) – Mg 2(SiO4) prismatic to 3.24 fayaliteforsterite series, usually forsterite. Names
(forsterite) for intermediate members of the series, such as
"chrysolite" and "hortonolite" are based on
chemical composition and should not be used
unless the composition is known.
Table IIIB1: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness 7 to 10; Has a Prominent Cleavage. (Can not be scratched by quartz.)
One cleavage direction: 6 to 7 Grey, Green to Yellowishgreen, vitreous, may be ZOISITE Orthorhombic usually in aggregates of crude 3.15 The blue gem variety
perfect (prismatic) Pinkish, Brown, Blue, Purple, pearly on cleavage (Epidote Group) parallel crystals with vertical to "tanzanite" and pink gem
Colorless surfaces Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH) striations on the faces, more 3.36 variety "thulite" are rare.
rarely as wellformed prismatic
crystals in clusters or singly
One cleavage direction: 6½ to 7 Green to Yellowgreen, Yellow, vitreous to sub EPIDOTE Monoclinic usually in short to long prismatic 3.38 Commonest of the Epidote
perfect (prismatic) Grey, Brownishgreen, Greenish vitreous, dull in Ca2(Fe,Al)3(SiO4)3(OH) crystals, may also be thick 3.49 Group species. Most of the
black, Black weathered crystals tabular or acicular (over 200 Epidote group minerals may
and massive materials different forms are known), exhibit a second, poor,
massive, coarse to fine granular, cleavage, but it is usually not
rarely fibrous seen.
One cleavage direction: 6½ to 7 Colorless to White, Grey, Pale vitreous to SILLIMANITE Orthorhombic usually as crude prismatic 3.23 restricted to hightemperature
perfect (prismatic) brown to Paleyellow, more rarely subvitreous, silky in Al2SiO5 crystals with a nearly square to and pressure metamorphic
Paleblue to Palegreen fibrous material, may crosssection,surfaces often rough 3.27 environments.
be dull on weathered and altering to muscovite, may
surfaces be in columnar to fibrous
aggregates ("fibrolite")
One cleavage direction: 6½ to 7 White to Greyishwhite, Colorless, vitreous to sub DIASPORE Orthorhombic usually in thin platy crystalline 3.35 very brittle. Often mistaken for
perfect (prismatic) Pinkishwhite to Palelavender, adamantine, AlO(OH) aggregates, crystals thin, platy, to milky to greyish quartz.
more rarely Greenish to Yellowish, "brilliant" may be prismatic or acicular, 3.45
Brown, Rosered to Darkred rarely tabular
One cleavage direction: 8 Colorless to Milkywhite, vitreous, may be TOPAZ Orthorhombic usually as stout prismatic to 3.4 largely restricted to granites,
perfect (pinacoidal, Yellowish, to Brownish, Pinkish, somewhat greasy on Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 equant crystals, with or without to granitepegmatites, and
basal) Bluish, Greenish fracture surfaces pyramidal terminations 3.6 rhyolites.
Two cleavage 6 to 7 Darkgreen to MediumGreen to luster vitreous to sub JADEITE Monoclinic usually in compact massive 3.24 massive material often a mix of
directions: perfect in (more rarely) Palegreen, White to vitreous, may be dull (Pyroxene Group) material, granular or short to jadeite and diopside, crystals
both directions Grey or Bluishgrey, Lavender to in granular material Na(Al,Fe)Si2O6 fibrous, with cleavage not 3.43 extremely rare.
(prismatic) Violet apparent
Two cleavage 6½ to 7 Grey to White, Colorless, Tan, vitreous to sub SPODUMENE Monoclinic usually in crude twofaced 3.03 crystals often very large, to 1

directions: perfect in Yellow, Palegreen to Bright vitreous (Pyroxene Group) crystals with a wedgeshaped to meter or more, crystals faces
both directions green ("hiddenite"), Pink to Lilac LiAlSi2O6 cross section, third face of 3.23 usually have a woodgrain
(prismatic) to Violet ("kunzite") triangle not developed, also as look to them, gem quality
prismatic flattened crystals, material often with acidetched
terminations rare crystal faces, heavily vertically
striated.
Two cleavage 6½ to 7 Colorless to White, more rarely vitreous BERTRANDITE Orthorhombic usually as tiny to micro tabular 2.57 usually associated with beryl
directions: one perfect Paleyellow, Paleping or Pale Be4Si2O7(OH)2 crystals, also granular aggregates to in pegmatites. Cleavage often
(basal) and one good brown 2.63 not seen
(prismatic)
Three parting directions: 9 Darkgrey to Lightgrey to Blue vitreous to sub CORUNDUM Trigonal usually massive, granular (emery) 4.0 extremely hard – can only be
fair rhombohedral and grey to Blue (sapphire), Red vitreous and dull Al2O3 and as barrelshaped prismatic scratched by silicon carbide
basal (looks like (ruby), and Yellow, Brown and hexagonal crystals and diamond.
cleavage on a small Green in sapphire
scale)
Four cleavage 10 Colorless to Yellow, Brown or adamantine DIAMOND Isometric typically in octahedral crystals, 3.50 extremely hard – no other
directions: perfect in Grey, may be Pink, Red, Blue, C usually appearing somewhat to mineral or material will scratch
four directions Green, and Black due to rounded on the edges, also as 3.53 it. Limited to blueearth pipes
(pyramidal) inclusions dodecahedral, tetrahedral, and and alluvial deposits eroded
cubic crystals, also often out of those pipes.
appearing somewhat rounded
Table IIIB2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness 7 to 10; Cleavage not prominent.. (Can not be scratched by quartz.)
6 to 7 Black to Dark adamantine to CASSITERITE Tetragonal usually massive as botryoidal crusts or concretions ("wood tin"), 6.8 to 7.1
brown, may also metallic in (Rutile Group) crystals usually short prismatic and complexly twinned
be Yellowish crystals, greasy on SnO producing unusual shapes ("knees," stubby fivepointed "stars,"
2
grey, more rarely fracture surfaces, etc.)
Red, White or may be earthy or
Colorless submetallic in
botryoids,
concretions, and
massive forms
6½ to 7 Grey to Bluish vitreous to sub FERROAXINITE – Triclinic usually as thin wedgeshaped "axhead" crystals, often arranged 3.23 to End members difficult to
grey, Brown to vitreous MANGANAXINITE in rosettes 3.32 distinguish, though low end and
Honeybrown or Ca2FeAl2BSi4O15(OH) – (ferro), high end S.G. may do the trick.
Yellow to Ca2MnAl2BSi4O15(OH) 3.30 to Magnesioaxinite and tinzenite
Goldenbrown, 3.36 are two rare related species.
more rarely Green (mangan)
or Violet
6½ to 7 Paleyellow to vitreous to sub FAYALITE – Orthorhombic usually as crystalline massive or granular, crystals short 4.39 End members distinguished by
Olivegreen to vitreous FORSTERITE prismatic (fayalite) S.G. and luster. "Peridot" is the
Olivebrown, (forsterite) or (Olivine Group) to 3.24 name for gem material in the
Black submetallic to dull Fe2(SiO4) – Mg 2(SiO4) (forsterite) fayaliteforsterite series, usually
(fayalite forsterite. Names for
intermediate members of the
series, such as "chrysolite" and
"hortonolite" are based on
chemical composition and
should not be used unless the
composition is known.
6½ to 7 Color: Colorless vitreous BERTRANDITE Orthorhombic usually as tiny to micro tabular crystals, also granular 2.57 to usually associated with beryl in
to White, more Be4Si2O7(OH)2 aggregates 2.63 pegmatites. May exhibit basal
rarely Pale and prismatic cleavages.
yellow, Palepink
or Palebrown
7 Colorless, Milky, vitreous QUARTZ Trigonal usually in pyramidaly terminated prismatic hexagonal crystals 2.65 Abundant! in milky and massive
Smokygrey to (Crystalline) or glassy massive, "rock crystal," "smoky" and "amethyst" forms. Common in rock crystal,
Black, Amethyst, SiO2 varieties may be very large, "citrine" usually small to medium in smoky and amethyst forms,
Rose, Yellow to size, "rose" usually rather small to microscale citrine rare, rose crystals very
Brownishyellow, rare. (See also immediately
may be tinted below for crypto and non
other shades by crystalline forms.)
inclusions
7 Colorless, Milky, vitreous to waxy QUARTZ Trigonal "Chalcedony" as cryptocrystalline fibrous amorphous to sub 2.65 In massive, non crystalline
Grey to Black, to dull (Crypto and Noncrystalline) botryoidal masses, unbanded or unpatterned, with a waxy forms: "Jasper" red or blue,
Red, Yellow to SiO2 luster ("carnelian" is red, "chrysoprase" is green due to nickel, rarely yellow, dull luster; "flint"
Brownishyellow, "heliotrope" or "bloodstone" is green with small red jasper dark grey to black, dull to
Brown, Green, flecks in it, "sard" is brown); "chalcedony, subvariety agate" in subvitreous luster; "chert"
Blue, may be circular, concentrically banded to intricately patterned masses medium to light grey, dull to
tinted other with considerable color variation in single samples, waxy to subvitreous luster; "aventurine"
shades by vitreous luster; "chalcedony subvariety onyx" has parallel green due to inclusions, vitreous
inclusions layers instead of concentric ones ("sardonyx" has alternating luster.
white and black layers).

7 Colorless, Milky vitreous CRISTOBALITE Tetragonal usually as microspherical aggregates, may be botryoidal or 2.2 to largely restricted to siliceous
white, Palegrey, SiO2 (pseudo stalactic, crystals very rare, usually microoctahedra 2.33 volcanic rocks. Cristobalite is
Yellowish, and Isometric) only partially stable at typical
Brownish terrestrial temperatures,
inverting to quartz. Most finds
are actually quartz
pseudomorphs of the original
crystals
7 Colorless, Milky vitreous TRIDYMITE Orthorhombic usually as thin to thick tabular or twinned pseudohexagonal 2.26 to largely restricted to felsic
white SiO2 & Hexagonal crystals 2.33 volcanic rocks; Tridymite is
only partially stable at typical
terrestrial temperatures,
inverting to quartz. Most finds
are actually quartz
pseudomorphs of the original
crystals
7 to 7½ Black to Bluish vitreous to sub SCHORL – UVITE Trigonal schorl usually in stout longprismatic hexagonal crystals with a 3.13 These two end members are best
black or vitreous, may (Tourmaline Group) nearly triangular crosssection, uvite usually in stubby short (schorl) distinguished by their S.G.s.
Brownishblack appear somewhat NaFe3Al6 (BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4 – prismatic crystals, sometimes appearing almost pyramidal or 2.96 to Foitite, feruvite, and povondrite
or Greenishblack oily on fracture (Ca,Na) dipyramidal, but may take identical habits, both may also be 3.06 are three rare to very rare black
surfaces (Mg,Fe)3Al5Mg(BO3)3(Si6O18) massively crystalline or granular. (uvite) Tourmaline Group members.
(OH,F)4
7 to 7½ Black to vitreous to sub DRAVITE Trigonal usually as stout prismatic hexagonal crystals, often with a 2.9 to 3.3 largely restricted to marbles,
Brownishblack vitreous, may (Tourmaline Group) pyramidal termination at one end and a pedial termination at schists and slates. Best
or Brown appear oily on NaMg 3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4 the other distinguished from schorl and
fracture surfaces uvite by environment when
black. Buergerite is a rare
bronzebrown Tourmaline
Group member.
7 to 7½ Dark Emerald vitreous, may CHROMEDRAVITE Trigonal usually as small to tiny nearly equant shortprismatic crystals 3.39 to usually distinguished by its
green to Greenish appear oily on (Tourmaline Group) and grains 3.40 deep emerald green color –
black to Black fracture surfaces NaMg 3(Cr,Fe)6 (BO3)3 (Si6O18) largely restricted to chromium
(OH)4 bearing micaceous
metasomatites. Very rare.
Distinguished from dark
greenishblack schorl or uvite
by its higher S.G
7 to 7½ Light to vitreous to oily ELBAITE Trigonal usually in slender prismatic hexagonal crystals with a nearly 3.05 to distinguished from most other

Mediumgreen, (Tourmaline Group) triangular crosssection, often appearing somewhat rounded, 3.10 Tourmaline Group species by its
Pink to Red, Na(Li,Al)3Al6 (BO3)3(Si6O18) terminations may be pyramidal or pedial, or both at different lighter colors – also, largely
Light to (OH)4 ends of the crystal restricted to granitepegmatites.
Mediumblue to Darkblue elbaite is almost
DarkBlue, more impossible to distinguish from
rarely Light dark blue schorl, and both can
brown to Yellow, occur together. Olenite, pale
Colorless pink, and liddicoatite, light
pink or lightgreen, are two rare
to very rare colored Tourmaline
Group species.
7 to7½ Deepgreen to vitreous UVAROVITE Isometric usually as small to tiny dodecahedral crystals 3.40 to largely restricted to chrome
"Rusty"green (Garnet Group) 3.83 bearing deposits, particularly
Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3 serpentinite ultramafics
containing chromite. Rare.
Goldmanite and knorringite are
very rare darkgreen and blue
green Garnet Group species, but
are found in different mineral
environments than uvarovite.
7 to7½ Pink to Red, vitreous GROSSULAR Isometric usually as small dodecahedral crystals 3.42 to largely found in contact and
Brownishorange (Garnet Group) 3.80 regionally metamorphosed
to Orange, Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 impure calcareous rocks, and in
Cinnamon, serpentinite and rodingite
Yellow to Yellow ultramafic rocks. Hibschite and
green, Palegreen katoite are very rare Garnet
to Grassgreen to Group species that can be
Emeraldgreen, similar greens or milky to
Colorless colorless, but they are found in
different mineral environments
than grossular.
7 to7½ Brown, Brownish vitreous ANDRADITE Isometric usually as small to medium sized dodecahedral crystals 3.45 usually from Ca and Fe rich
red to Brownish (Garnet Group) contact metamorphic rocks and
yellow, Yellow to Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3 skarns, also from alkaline and
Yellowgreen, ultrabasic igneous rocks.
Greyishgreen to Calderite is a very rare Garnet
Medium or Deep Group species with color similar
green, Black to andradite, but it is found in a
different mineral environment.

7 to 7½ Black to vitreous SCHORLOMITE Isometric usually as small dodecahedral crystals 3.77 to largely restricted to alkaline
Brownishblack (Garnet Group) 3.93 igneous rocks. Morimotoite and
Ca3Ti2(Fe2Si)O12 kimzeyite are very rare Garnet
Group species that may be the
same color as schorlomite, but
they are found in different
environments
7 to 7½ Darkred to Violet vitreous PYROPE Isometric usually as small to tiny dodecahedral crystals 3.65 to usually found in high
Red or deep Rose (Garnet Group) 3.82 temperature and high pressure
Red, also Mg 3Al2(SiO4)3 metamorphic rocks, ultrabasic
Reddishorange igneous rocks, and kimberlites
and peridotites. Uncommon.
Majorite is a very rare Garnet
Group species that can be
purplishviolet, but is found in a
different environment than
pyrope.
7 to 7½ Brown to vitreous ALMANDINE Isometric usually as dodecahedral crystals 3.85 to occurs in a number of
Brownishred to (Garnet Group) 4.20 metamorphic and igneous
Red, Violetred or Fe3Al2(SiO4)3 environments – most common
Orangishred of the Garnet Group species.
7 to 7½ Orangishred to vitreous SPESSARTINE Isometric usually as medium to tiny dodecahedral crystals 3.90 to occurs in metamorphic and
Reddishorange, (Garnet Group) 4.20 igneous rocks rich in Mn.
Rosered to Ruby Mn 3Al2(SiO4)3
red or Hyacinth
red, Reddish
brown, Pale
yellow
7 to 7½ Medium to Dark vitreous to sub STAUROLITE Monoclinic usually as either short to longprismatic crystals, frequently 3.74 to usually in intermediate grade
brown, Reddish vitreous, may also (Fe,Mg,Zn)2Al9(Si,Al)4O22(OH)2 pseudo. twinned ("fairy crosses"), with twining at either 90 o or 60 o 3.83 pelitic metamorphic rocks
brown be dull Orthorhombic
7 to 7½ Greyishblue to vitreous to oily CORDIERITE Orthorhombic usually granular or massively crystalline aggregates, crystals 2.53 to largely restricted to contact
Blue, Grey, (Beryl Group?) shortprismatic 2.65 metamorphic rocks and high
Greenishblue, grade regional metamorphic
(Mg,Fe)2Al3[AlSi5O18] . H2O
Violet rocks.
7½ Reddishbrown to vitreous to sub ANDALUSITE Orthorhombic usually as prismatic crystals with a nearly square crosssection, 3.13 to largely a mineral of low to

PalePink to vitreous, may be Al2SiO5 may be tapered in both directions from the center and exhibit a 3.21 intermediate grade metamorphic
Deeppink/Flesh dull crosslike pattern on the cross section due to carbonaceous rocks, but also known from
colored, White to inclusions ("chiastolite") granites and granitepegmatites
Grey to Bluish
grey to Blue,
Olivegreen,
Green, Violet,
Yellow
7½ Brown, White, adamantine, oily ZIRCON Tetragonal usually as small tetragonal prisms with pyramidal terminations, 4.6 to fluoresces orangeyellow,
Yellow, Orange, on fracture ZrSiO4 may also be bipyramidal without the prism 4.71 yellow and orange. This mineral
Green, Blue surfaces may also be metamict
(structurally disrupted by
radiation) and then exhibits a
lower H. (6 to 7) and S.G 3.9 to
4.6 range.
7½ to 8 Paleblue to Pale vitreous BERYL Hexagonal usually as stout prismatic hexagonal crystals, also granular in 2.63 to most often found in granite
green (gem: Be3Al2Si6O18 matrix 2.78 pegmatites and rhyolites, but
"aquamarine") known from other environments
Yellow to as well.
Goldenyellow
(gem:
"heliodore"),
Pink to lightred
(gem:
"morganite"),
White to Tan,
Emeraldgreen
(gem: "emerald")
Colorless
7½ to 8 White to colorless vitreous PHENAKITE Trigonal usually massive, granular, and as modified flattened rhombs, 2.97 to usually found with beryl.
Be2SiO4 more rarely as prismatic crystals 3.0
7½ to 8 Darkgreen to vitreous to sub GAHNITE Isometric usually massive, granular, also as octahedral crystals, may be 4.57 usually in hightemperature ore

Greenishblack, vitreous, may be (Spinel Group) rounded or sharp deposits in crystalline schists or
more rarely Dark dull ZnAl2O4 in pegmatites.
yellow to Pale
Yellow
7½ to 8 Red, Black, vitreous to sub SPINEL Isometric usually massive, granular, and as octahedral crystals,often 3.56 distinguished from gahnite by
Brown, Blue, vitreous MgAl2O4 twinned it's lower specific gravity
Green
8½ Yellow to vitreous CHRYSOBERYL Orthorhombic usually as tabular or prismatic crystals, often twinned in heart or 3.75 may appear red or brownish
Emeraldgreen BeAl2O4 fishtail shapes, may also be cyclically twinned in pseudo pink in incandescent light
hexagonal crystals ("alexandrite").
9 Darkgrey to vitreous to sub CORUNDUM Trigonal usually massive, granular (emery) and as barrelshaped 4.0 extremely hard – can only be
Lightgrey to vitreous and dull Al2O3 prismatic hexagonal crystals scratched by silicon carbide and
Bluegrey to Blue diamond.
(sapphire), Red
(ruby), and
Yellow, Brown
and Green in
sapphire
Notes:
The Tourmaline Group species can be difficult to tell apart without specific locality data. The overlap of color and habit can make crystals without matrix very
difficult to distinguish without lab tests.
Most of the Garnet Group species can be very difficult to tell apart. Color alone is rarely – if ever – diagnostic; and S.G.s overlap too much to make them useful
alone or with color. Mineral environment information is usually needed in conjunction with S.G. and color to even begin to guess the species. The best bet is
specific knowledge of what is found at any given locality – or lab tests in the absence of that. (Far too many "visual identifications" prove to be wrong…)
Table of Contents Return to Step 14 Mineral Does Not Key: Return to Step 1
Copyright
This "Mineral Identification Key" is copyrighted by Alan Plante and Donald Peck, 2000; all rights reserved. Permission to copy all or parts of the Key is granted for
noncommercial use by individuals and mineral clubs, study groups, or educational institutions. Publication in any medium for profit, including print and electronic,
is expressly prohibited, except by written permission from the authors. Permission is required before posting a copy of the Key to another web site.
Alan Plante, 8 Hamlin Avenue, Gorham, NH 03581
Donald Peck, 6 Indian Rock Road, Warren, NJ 07059
Bob's Rock Shop Table of Contents

Bob Keller

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1/14/2015 Mineral ID_Key

1 to 1½ Steel­grey to Black one perfect cleavage GRAPHITE Trigonal may be in small 2.23 has a greasy feel.

2 to 2½ Grey­black to Black ACANTHITE Isometric pseudo­cubic, usually massive 7.3 bright­steel­grey on fresh surfaces but darkens

2 to 2½ Iron­black Iron­black STEPHANITE Orthorhombic usually massive, more rarely as short prismatic 6.2 Rare

Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes

2 to 2½ Silvery­white Silvery­white BISMUTH Trigonal usually in laminated granular masses, may be 9.8 heavy. Rare. May not mark paper.

1½ to 2 Silvery­white Grey SYLVANITE Monoclinic usually granular or in bladed 8 to May mark paper.

Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes

2½ Brass­yellow to Silvery­ Yellowish to CALAVERITE Monoclinic usually granular, rarely in distinct 9.35 very heavy, easily fusible in a

Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes

Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes

3½ to 4 Black Green one perfect cleavage ALABANDITE Isometric usually massive or granular. 4.0 to 4.1

4 Steel­grey to Iron­black Black indistinct cleavage in two STANNITE Tetragonal usually massive, rarely as pseudo­ 4.3 to 4.5 Rare

4 Steel­grey to Iron­black Dark reddish­brown MANGANITE Monoclinic, usually in radiating fibrous masses, 4.3 Often associated with

5 Steel­grey Black GLAUCODOT Orthorhombic usually massive, more rarely as 5.9 to 6.1 Rare; alloclasite, monoclinic, is

5 to 5½ Pale Copper­red to Black NICKELINE Hexagonal usually massive, crystals rare and 7.78 may be coated with green

5½ to 6½ Dark­brown to Steel­grey Rust­red or Indian­ HEMATITE Trigonal usually massive in radiating, 4.8 to 5.3 usually harder than a knife, but

5½ Pale copper­red Red­brown BREITHAUPTITE Hexagonal usually massive, crystals 7.59 to 8.23 Rare

5½ to 6 Tin­white or silvery­ Black one distinct cleavage ARSENOPYRITE Monoclinic usually massive, granular, 6.0 to 6.2 has garlic odor when ground or pounded –

5½ to 6 Dark­brown to Steel­grey Rust­red or HEMATITE Trigonal usually massive in 4.8 to 5.3 usually black and usually harder than a

6 Black Black to one distinct cleavage COLUMBITE­ Orthorhombic usually massive platy, or as 5.2 to 6.76 A complex solid solution series exists

Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes

Orange­yellow 4 to 4½ Yellow to one ZINCITE Hexagonal usually massive as irregular grains or 5.64 to 5.68 luster sub­adamantine to sub­vitreous,

Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes

Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit SG Notes

Perfect in one 2 vitreous Colorless to White or NITER Orthorhombic usually as thin crusts, granular to 2.10 white streak, easily dissolved in

Perfect in one 2 waxy luster. White to Grey, PYROPHYLLITE: Monoclinic usually as aggregates of foliated flakes, 2.8 greasy feel, May be difficult to

Cleavage Hardness Luster Color Name System Habit SG Notes

Perfect in one 2 to 2½ pearly on cleavage Black to Brownish­ ANNITE Monoclinic, usually in "books" of thin sheets or as 2.7 may give a pale brownish streak,

Perfect in one 2 to 2½ earthy White KAOLINITE Triclinic usually as compact earthy masses 2.6 has an earth odor when moistened,

Perfect in one 2½ sub­vitreous to White to Colorless, COOKEITE Monoclinic usually as aggregates of tiny flakes or 2.58 flakes or scales elastic

1½ to 2½ Bright­ resinous to sub­ Imperfect in three directions SULFUR: Orthorhombic usually imperfectly crystallized 2.05 usually gives a pale­yellow streak, readily

Perfect in 3½ to 5 Deep to pale pearly on MARGARITE Monoclinic usually as flaky aggregates or cross­grain "books" sandwiched in a matrix of 3.0 bends little and

Perfect in 2 Colorless to vitreous to SYLVITE Isometric usually as granular crystalline masses or small cubic crystals 1.97 tastes "salty."Halite

Perfect in 3 to 3½ Colorless to vitreous ANHYDRITE Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crystalline masses exhibiting a pseudo­cubic 2.9

Distinct in 3 to 3½ Colorless to vitreous, CELESTITE (Celestine) Orthorhombic usually in clusters or aggregates of platy to tabular crystals 3.95 Distinguish from

Small Colorless to White, may 2½ vitreous to greasy, has an CRYOLITE: monoclinic usually massively 2.95 white streak;small clear fragments seem to

Small Colorless to White or 3 to 3½ adamantine to vitreous, may be CERUSSITE orthorhombic usually as crystalline to granular 6.55 cleavage distinct in one direction and good

Colorless to White 3 to 3½ vitreous ANHYDRITE Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crystalline masses exhibiting a 2.9 to 2.98

Orange­red to Ruby­ 2½ to 3 luster sub­ VANADINITE Hexagonal usually in barrel­ shaped prismatic hexagonal 6.88 streak white, may be yellowish

imperfect in one 3 to 3½ Colorless to White vitreous to WITHERITE Orthorhombic, usually as stout prismatic 4.29 often hazed, will effervesce in

Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit Sp. G Notes

Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit SG Notes

Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit SG Notes

Two Directions 3½ to 4 Colorless to White vitreous to STRONTIANITE Orthorhombic usually in granular or fibrous 3.76 effervesces mildly in cold acids,

Two Directions 4½ Bluish­grey to vitreous to TRIPHYLITE­ Orthorhombic usually in cleavable 3.56

Two Directions: perfect 5 to 5½ Yellowish­brown vitreous to TITANITE ("SPHENE") Monoclinic usually in crude blocky to 3.48 to 3.60 streak white to pale brown

Two Directions: perfect 5½ to 6½ Pink to Rose­red, vitreous to RHODONITE Triclinic usually massive, granular, 3.55 to 3.76

Two Directions: distinct 4 to 4½ Colorless to vitreous PHILLIPSITE­Ca Monoclinic usually as small twinned, 2.2 white streak; Forms a series with

Two Directions: good in 4½ to 5 Colorless to White vitreous HARMOTOME Monoclinic usually as blocky crystals, 2.38 to 2.50 streak white; Forms a series with

Two Directions: 4½ to 5½ Colorless to vitreous, BREWSTERITE­Sr/ Monoclinic & usually as small tabular 2.32 to 2.45 Brewsterite­Ba is the far more

Two Directions: 5 to 5½ Colorless to vitreous, silky SCOLECITE Monoclinic usually as thin flattened 2.24 to 2.31 Rare.

Two Directions: 5 to 5½ Colorless to vitreous, silky NATROLITE Orthorhombic usually as long slender 2.20 to 2.27 white streak; partially dissolves

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Grey to Lavender­ vitreous, silky GLAUCOPHANE ­ Monoclinic usually in lath­like crystal 3.02 to 3.42 pale­grey to bluish­grey streak;

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Light­blue to vitreous, silky MAGNESIORIEBECKITE ­ Monoclinic usually in lath­like crystal 3.02 to 3.42 pale­grey to bluish­grey streak;

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 White to Light­ vitreous, silky TREMOLITE­ACTINOLITE Monoclinic usually in bladed crystal 2.89 to 3.44 tremolite usually white to

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Brown to vitreous, silky CUMMINGTONITE ­ Monoclinic usually in bladed crystal 3.1 to 3.6 cummingtonite usually green to

Two Directions at ~56 o 5½ to 6 White to Grey or vitreous, silky ANTHOPHYLLITE ­ Orthorhombic usually columnar aggregates, 3.18 to 3.57 anthophyllite usually lighter

Two Directions at ~56 o 5½ to 6 Pale Greenish­grey vitreous, silky GEDRITE­FERROGEDRITE Orthorhombic usually in lamellar to fibrous 3.18 to 3.57 gedrite usually paler shades,

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Black to Greenish­ vitreous MAGNESIOHORNBLENDE ­ Monoclinic usually in coarsely 3.02 to 3.45 may give grey­green streak;

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Pale­green to vitreous, silky RICHTERITE ­ Monoclinic usually in cleavable 2.97 to 3.45 color darkens with increasing Fe

Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit SG Notes

Two directions at nearly 5½ to 6 Dark­green or vitreous to AEGIRINE (ACMITE) Monoclinic usually as slender prismatic 3.50 to 3.60 pale tan to yellow green to pale

1 to 1½ Steelgrey to Black one perfect cleavage GRAPHITE Trigonal may be in small 2.23 has a greasy feel.

2 to 2½ Greyblack to Black ACANTHITE Isometric pseudocubic, usually massive 7.3 brightsteelgrey on fresh surfaces but darkens

2 to 2½ Ironblack Ironblack STEPHANITE Orthorhombic usually massive, more rarely as short prismatic 6.2 Rare

2 to 2½ Silverywhite Silverywhite BISMUTH Trigonal usually in laminated granular masses, may be 9.8 heavy. Rare. May not mark paper.

1½ to 2 Silverywhite Grey SYLVANITE Monoclinic usually granular or in bladed 8 to May mark paper.

2½ Brassyellow to Silvery Yellowish to CALAVERITE Monoclinic usually granular, rarely in distinct 9.35 very heavy, easily fusible in a

4 Steelgrey to Ironblack Black indistinct cleavage in two STANNITE Tetragonal usually massive, rarely as pseudo 4.3 to 4.5 Rare

4 Steelgrey to Ironblack Dark reddishbrown MANGANITE Monoclinic, usually in radiating fibrous masses, 4.3 Often associated with

5 Steelgrey Black GLAUCODOT Orthorhombic usually massive, more rarely as 5.9 to 6.1 Rare; alloclasite, monoclinic, is

5 to 5½ Pale Copperred to Black NICKELINE Hexagonal usually massive, crystals rare and 7.78 may be coated with green

5½ to 6½ Darkbrown to Steelgrey Rustred or Indian HEMATITE Trigonal usually massive in radiating, 4.8 to 5.3 usually harder than a knife, but

5½ Pale copperred Redbrown BREITHAUPTITE Hexagonal usually massive, crystals 7.59 to 8.23 Rare

5½ to 6 Tinwhite or silvery Black one distinct cleavage ARSENOPYRITE Monoclinic usually massive, granular, 6.0 to 6.2 has garlic odor when ground or pounded –

5½ to 6 Darkbrown to Steelgrey Rustred or HEMATITE Trigonal usually massive in 4.8 to 5.3 usually black and usually harder than a

6 Black Black to one distinct cleavage COLUMBITE Orthorhombic usually massive platy, or as 5.2 to 6.76 A complex solid solution series exists

Orangeyellow 4 to 4½ Yellow to one ZINCITE Hexagonal usually massive as irregular grains or 5.64 to 5.68 luster subadamantine to subvitreous,

Perfect in one 2 to 2½ pearly on cleavage Black to Brownish ANNITE Monoclinic, usually in "books" of thin sheets or as 2.7 may give a pale brownish streak,

Perfect in one 2½ subvitreous to White to Colorless, COOKEITE Monoclinic usually as aggregates of tiny flakes or 2.58 flakes or scales elastic

1½ to 2½ Bright resinous to sub Imperfect in three directions SULFUR: Orthorhombic usually imperfectly crystallized 2.05 usually gives a paleyellow streak, readily

Perfect in 3½ to 5 Deep to pale pearly on MARGARITE Monoclinic usually as flaky aggregates or crossgrain "books" sandwiched in a matrix of 3.0 bends little and

Perfect in 3 to 3½ Colorless to vitreous ANHYDRITE Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crystalline masses exhibiting a pseudocubic 2.9

Orangered to Ruby 2½ to 3 luster sub VANADINITE Hexagonal usually in barrel shaped prismatic hexagonal 6.88 streak white, may be yellowish

Two Directions 4½ Bluishgrey to vitreous to TRIPHYLITE Orthorhombic usually in cleavable 3.56

Two Directions: perfect 5 to 5½ Yellowishbrown vitreous to TITANITE ("SPHENE") Monoclinic usually in crude blocky to 3.48 to 3.60 streak white to pale brown

Two Directions: perfect 5½ to 6½ Pink to Rosered, vitreous to RHODONITE Triclinic usually massive, granular, 3.55 to 3.76

Two Directions: distinct 4 to 4½ Colorless to vitreous PHILLIPSITECa Monoclinic usually as small twinned, 2.2 white streak; Forms a series with

Two Directions: 4½ to 5½ Colorless to vitreous, BREWSTERITESr/ Monoclinic & usually as small tabular 2.32 to 2.45 BrewsteriteBa is the far more

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Grey to Lavender vitreous, silky GLAUCOPHANE Monoclinic usually in lathlike crystal 3.02 to 3.42 palegrey to bluishgrey streak;

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Lightblue to vitreous, silky MAGNESIORIEBECKITE Monoclinic usually in lathlike crystal 3.02 to 3.42 palegrey to bluishgrey streak;

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 White to Light vitreous, silky TREMOLITEACTINOLITE Monoclinic usually in bladed crystal 2.89 to 3.44 tremolite usually white to

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Brown to vitreous, silky CUMMINGTONITE Monoclinic usually in bladed crystal 3.1 to 3.6 cummingtonite usually green to

Two Directions at ~56 o 5½ to 6 White to Grey or vitreous, silky ANTHOPHYLLITE Orthorhombic usually columnar aggregates, 3.18 to 3.57 anthophyllite usually lighter

Two Directions at ~56 o 5½ to 6 Pale Greenishgrey vitreous, silky GEDRITEFERROGEDRITE Orthorhombic usually in lamellar to fibrous 3.18 to 3.57 gedrite usually paler shades,

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Black to Greenish vitreous MAGNESIOHORNBLENDE Monoclinic usually in coarsely 3.02 to 3.45 may give greygreen streak;

Two Directions at ~56 o 5 to 6 Palegreen to vitreous, silky RICHTERITE Monoclinic usually in cleavable 2.97 to 3.45 color darkens with increasing Fe

Two directions at nearly 5½ to 6 Darkgreen or vitreous to AEGIRINE (ACMITE) Monoclinic usually as slender prismatic 3.50 to 3.60 pale tan to yellow green to pale

Three cleavage 3½ to 4 White to Palerose vitreous to KUTNOHORITE Trigonal usually massive crystalline 3.12 white streak; effervesces in cold

Six cleavage directions 5½ to 6 MediumBlue to vitreous to SODALITE Isometric usually as granular masses or 2.14 to 2.30 white to very pale blue streak;

5½ to 6 MediumBlue to Violet vitreous to SODALITE Isometric usually as granular masses or grains in 2.14 to white to very pale blue streak; may be

Perfect in one 6½ to 7 Green to Yellowgreen, vitreous to sub EPIDOTE Monoclinic usually in short to long 3.38 to 3.49 Over 200 different forms are

perfect in two 6 to 7 Darkgreen to Medium vitreous to sub JADEITE Monoclinic usually in compact massive 3.24 to 3.43 massive material often a

Perfect in one 5½ to 6½ Pink to Rosered to vitreous to sub RHODONITE Triclinic usually massive, coarse to fine 3.55 to 3.76 often coated and/or veined

5½ Lightgreen to Yellow vitreous, to resinous WILLEMITE Trigonal usually massively crystalline 4.05 to fluoresces bright green

5 to 6½ Green or Chartreuse, vitreous to subvitreous VESUVIANITE Tetragonal usually as stout prismatic 3.32 to usually restricted to skarns, rodingites, and certain

Two cleavage 6½ to 7 Grey to White, Colorless, Tan, vitreous to sub SPODUMENE Monoclinic usually in crude twofaced 3.03 crystals often very large, to 1

7 to 7½ Light to vitreous to oily ELBAITE Trigonal usually in slender prismatic hexagonal crystals with a nearly 3.05 to distinguished from most other

7½ Reddishbrown to vitreous to sub ANDALUSITE Orthorhombic usually as prismatic crystals with a nearly square crosssection, 3.13 to largely a mineral of low to

7½ to 8 Darkgreen to vitreous to sub GAHNITE Isometric usually massive, granular, also as octahedral crystals, may be 4.57 usually in hightemperature ore

7½ to 8 Red, Black, vitreous to sub SPINEL Isometric usually massive, granular, and as octahedral crystals,often 3.56 distinguished from gahnite by