Identification of Minerals in Hand Samples
Name
Calcite
Quartz
Halite
Mica
Talc
Hematite
Fluorite
Olivine
Potassium
Feldspar
Magnetite
Gypsum
Sulfur
Pyrite
Color(s)
Formula
Luster
Hardness
Uses
Other
Mineral Information
These are the physical properties most useful for mineral identification:
Hardness
Luster
This is the resistance of a mineral to scratching. Hardness is evaluated on a
scale from 1 to 10. Lower numbers indicate less resistance to scratching.
Each mineral on this scale can scratch a mineral with an equal or lower
number, but none with a higher number.
Luster is the appearance of a mineral's surface in reflected light.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Non-Metallic Luster: The most common are:
Talc
Gypsum (2.25 = Fingernail)
Calcite (3.5 = Copper coin)
Fluorite
Apatite (5.25 = Steel knife 5.5 = Glass)
Orthoclase
Quartz
Topaz
9. Corundum
10. Diamond
SOFTEST
Metallic Luster: These minerals have a "metallic glint" and reflect light
effectively.
Adamantine = brilliant, like a polished diamond.
Vitreous = glassy, like glazed porcelain or quartz.
Earthy = dull, little reflection.
Pearly = similar to natural pearls. Example, Talc.
(If you do NOT know, just identify whether it is Non-Metallic Light or
Dark!!)
HARDEST
Color
Other
This physical property does not work very well for mineral identification.
Colors are subjective to the observer, and unreliable for many minerals.
Quartz, calcite, and other mostly colorless minerals may appear to be a
certain color depending on trace elements that are contaminating the
mineral. However, color is dependable for metallic minerals

The light from these ultraviolet lamps reacts with the chemicals of a
mineral and causes the mineral to glow; this is called fluorescence.

Natural magnetism – Magnetite

Feel -- Talc feels slippery, halite feels greasy.

Acid test -- Calcite reacts (bubbles) when exposed with hydrochloric acid.

Odor -- Sulfur smells like rotten eggs.
Color in minerals is caused by the absorption, or lack of absorption, of
various wavelengths of light. Elements that produce colors through
absorption and emittance of wavelengths are usually transition metals.
They can cause a mineral to always be a certain color if they are part of the
chemistry of the mineral.