Rockhounding Mineral Identification Flowchart

Mineral ID Flowchart

Identify your specimen by analyzing physical characteristics (Luster, Hardness, Cleavage).

Luster refers to the way a mineral surface reflects light. Choose the best description for your specimen.

Metallic (Looks like metal)

Example: Galena, Pyrite

Vitreous (Glassy)

Example: Quartz, Calcite

Dull / Earthy (Non-reflective)

Example: Clay, Bauxite

Pearly / Silky (Like pearl or fiber)

Example: Talc, Gypsum

Hardness is measured using the Mohs scale (1-10). Select the range that best matches your mineral's resistance to scratching.

Soft (1-3)

Can be scratched easily by a fingernail or penny.

Medium (3-5.5)

Can be scratched by glass, but not a penny.

Hard (>5.5)

Cannot be scratched by a steel nail or glass (e.g., Quartz).

Does the mineral break along flat planes (cleavage) or uneven surfaces (fracture)?

Perfect/Good Cleavage

Breaks easily and cleanly along flat surfaces (e.g., Mica, Calcite).

Poor Cleavage / Indistinct

Breaks unevenly or cleavage is barely visible.

No Cleavage (Fracture only)

Breaks along rough, irregular surfaces (e.g., Quartz).

Based on your selections, the following mineral is the most likely match.

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