Sep 07 2008
Mineral Identification or “I Can Name That Rock in Eight Steps.”
When I was a kid, one of my favorite television shows was Name That Tune. I wasn’t very good at then because I had no idea what half the songs were, but I bet if there were to do a new version of the show I would be awesome at it. Actually, I probably wouldn’t. I’m one of those people who recognize almost any tune, can hum it, maybe even sing the words to it, but I’ll have no idea of what the name of the song is. Still, I loved to watch those contestants bid down on how many notes it would take them to guess the song.
For some reason, this neat website on mineral identification I found reminded me of that old game show. It basically takes you on a step-by-step process of the different things to take into account when trying to identify a mineral. Along the way it gives basic explanations of luster, hardness, streak test, and cleavage. The only limitations is that it assumes you are working with rocks from a kit so not every mineral is included. It’s pretty fun to play around with, though, and it can be adapted to help identify your own minerals despite not having the kit that goes along with the exercise. There’s a game show contest for you. How many things do you have to check before you can name this mineral?
8 Responses to “Mineral Identification or “I Can Name That Rock in Eight Steps.””
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Another cool reference link, thanks for sharing this great site. I will be adding it to my favorites.
This world of stones, gems and minerals is like a tiny universe…. Thank you Rainer
Thank you for your visit and your comment on our blog! It’s always great to meet new blogs and people through Entrecard.
Last summer Hubby and I went for some tourmaline hunting at West Paris, Maine. We digged up some dirt from a pile which we paid for 30$ a bucket. We washed and sorted them and I had to admit I really didnt have a clue what I was looking for. hahahaha I just went because Hubby loves it. Maybe next time we do that, I will ask your opinion and expertise.
oh, if i can only name that mineral, kalilea. it looks great, it reminds me of mosaic canyon in death valley. some of the walls of the canyons are marbles, and some are mosaic of rocks which looks similar to that.
That’s a great reference link; I should drag out all the rocks and crystals I’ve gathered up over the years.
I have to show this link to my daughter. I’m the same way with songs. I can sing them word for word and not remember the title.
very interesting article. on most issues I agree with the author:)