Your fascination with rocks and minerals may motivate you to collect many samples for identification. Rocks and minerals are not easily identified by pictures in a book. Identifying rocks on sight is extremely difficult as well. Although you may not be able to identify a sample, you can classify your collection according to characteristic properties. Use questions like these to assist you in your classification process.
Does
the rock have layers?
Is
it sandy?
Does
it appear to contain soft or hard minerals?
Is
it easily scratched with a nail?
Is
it harder than quartz?
Does
it fizz when placed in vinegar?
Will
it leave a mark on the streak plate?
Where
was your rock found?
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Glossary
of Rocks and Minerals Terms
Rocks
and Minerals Reference Sheet
Last updated August 5, 1999