mineral ID table

8/7/2019 mineral ID table

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Table IA: Minerals with Metallic or Submetallic Luster & Hardness of less than 2:(Will readily

leave a mark on paper.)

Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit

1+ Dark-red to Vermilion Rust-red HEMATITEFe2O3

Trigonal ocherous masses, g

1 to 1 Steel-grey to Iron-black

Black one perfect cleavage GRAPHITEC

Trigonal may be in smallhexagonal plates

1 to 1 Bluish-black Black to Greenish-black one perfect cleavage MOLYBDENITE MoS2 Trigonal usually in somewhhexagonal plate


1 to 2 Iron-black Black PYROLUSITEMnO2

Tetragonal may be splintery o

1 Lead-grey Lead-grey one perfect cleavage NAGYAGITEPb13Au2Sb3Te6S16

Orthorhombic

pseudo-tetragonal

usually platy mass

1 Steel-grey Steel-grey one perfect cleavage TETRADYMITEBi2Te2S

Trigonal usually in foliated rare

1 to 2 Silvery-white Grey SYLVANITE(Au,Ag)Te2

Monoclinic usually granular orforms on rocks, res


2 Grey-black to Lead-

grey

Black to Grey-black BISMUTHINITE Bi2S3 Orthorhombic in bladed crystals s

2 Grey-black Bluish-black to Silvery-

black

one perfect cleavage STIBNITESb2S3

Orthorhombic usually as bladed c

2 to 2 Grey-black to Lead-

grey

Black ACANTHITEAg2S

Isometric pseudo-cubic, usu

2 to 2 Iron-black Iron-black STEPHANITEAg5SbS4

Orthorhombic usually massive, m


2 to 2 Bright-red Bright-red to Deep-red one perfect CINNABAR HgS

Trigonal usually in granular

2 to 2 Brownish-red toScarlet or Vermilion

Deep Ruby-red toBright Ruby-red

PYRARGYRITE/PROUSTITEAg3(Sb,As)S3

Trigonal

2 to 2 Silvery-white Silvery-white with

decidedly reddish tones BISMUTH

Bi

Trigonal usually in laminate

reticulated, artificia


2 Brass-yellow to

Silvery-white

Yellowish- to Greenish-

grey CALAVERITE

AuTe2

Monoclinic usually granular, ra

2 Grey-black to Black Bluish-black to Lead-grey perfect cleavage in threedirections at 90o to each other

GALENAPbS

Isometric usually in cubic cryin granular masses

2 to 3 Black Black one imperfect cleavage POLYBASITE(Ag,Cu)16Sb2S11

Monoclinic,pseudo-hexagonal

usually massive or

Table of Contents Return to Step 2

Table IB: Minerals with Metallic or Submetallic Luster & Hardness greater than 2, but less than

5:(Will not easily mark paper, but can be scratched with a pocket knife.)

Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
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1 to 2 Iron-black Black PYROLUSITEMnO2

Tetragonal

1 to 2 Silvery-white Grey SYLVANITE(Au,Ag)Te2

Monoclinic

1 to 2 Metallic-blue, tarnishes toblue-black

Black COVELLITECuS

Trigonal


2 Bluish-black to Silvery-black Grey-black one perfect cleavage STIBNITESb2S3

Orthorhombic

2 to 2 Deep Ruby-red to BrightRuby-red

Brownish-red to Scarletor Vermilion

PYRARGYRITE/ PROUSTITE;Ag3(Sb,As)S3

Trigonal

2 to 2 Grey-black to Lead-grey Black ACANTHITEAg2S

Isometric


2 Bluish-black to Lead-grey Grey-Black to Black perfect cleavage in three

directions at 90o to each other

GALENAPbS

Isometric

2 Brass-yel low to Silvery-white Yellowish to Greenish-grey CALAVERITEAuTe2 Monoclinic

2 to 3 Grey-black Black JAMESONITEPb4FeSb6S14

Monoclinic


2 to 3 Grey-black Grey to Black BOURNONITEPbCuSbS3

Orthorhombic

2 to 3 Steel-grey, may tarnish toblack on exposure

Grey to Black CHALCOCITECu2S

Monoclinic,pseudo-orthorhombic

2 to 3 Dark metallic Blue to Black Black DIGENITECu2S

Isometric

2 to 3 Steel-grey, tarnishes metallic

blue

Dark steel-grey STROMEYERITEAgCuS

Orthorhombic,

pseudo-hexagonal


2 to 3 Lead-grey Brown to brownish-grey BOULANGERITEPb5Sb4S11

Monoclinic

2 to 3 Dark-red to Vermilion Dark-red CINNABAR HgS

Trigonal

2 to 3 Copper-red on fresh surfaces,tarnishes to brown or black

Coppery-red, shiny COPPERCu

Isometric

2 to 3 Deep golden-yellow Golden-yellow, shiny GOLDAu

Isometric

2 to 3 Silvery-white,tarnishes blackSilvery-white, shiny SILVERAg

Isometric


3 Grey-black Black perfect and distinct cleavages atangles to one another

ENARGITECu3AsS4

Orthorhombic

3 Brownish-bronze on freshsurfaces, tarnishing to metallic

purple, iridescent ("peacockore")

Grey-black BORNITECu5FeS4

Orthorhombic,pseudo-tetrahedral


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3 to 3 Brass-yellow Black, sometimes with agreenish tinge

MILLERITENiS

Trigonal

3 to 3 Steel-grey Steel-grey one indistinct cleavage ZINKENITEPb9Sb22S42

Hexagonal

3 to 3 Tin-white Silvery-grey, shiny ANTIMONYSb

Trigonal

Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System 3 to 4 Steel-grey, may tarnish dead

black upon exposure

Black (may be Brownish-

black) TETRAHEDRITE-

TENNANTITE(Cu,Fe,)12Sb4S13

Isometric

3 Tin-white, tarnishing to Dark-grey

Grey-black ARSENICAs

Trigonal

3 to 4 Brownish-bronze to Bronze-yellow

Black no cleavage but large grainsexhibit an octahedral parting

PENTLANDITE(Fe,Ni)9S8

Isometric

3 to 4 Brass-yellow, often iridescent Black CHALCOPYRITECuFeS2

Tetragonal

3 to 4 Brown to Black Brown good cleavage in one direction,poor in another direction

WURTZITEZnS

Hexagonal


3 to 4 Dark-brown to black,sometimes Olive-yellow orRed to Reddish-black

Dark to Light-brown:streak usually lighter thanthe color of the sample

perfect cleavage in six directionsat angles to one another,threedirections usually prominent

SPHALERITEZnS

Isometric

3 to 4 Ruby-red to Reddish-brown Brownish-red CUPRITECu2O

Isometric

3 to4 Black Green one perfect cleavage ALABANDITEMnS

Isometric


4 Brownish-bronze to Bronze-yellow

Grey-black PYRRHOTITEFe1-xS

Monoclinicpseudo-hexagonal

4 Steel-grey to Iron-black Black indistinct cleavage in two

directions

STANNITECu2FeSnS4

Tetragonal

4 Steel-grey to Iron-black Dark reddish-brown to

Black MANGANITE

MnO(OH)

Monoclinic,

pseudo-orthorhombic

4 to 4 White to Steel-grey Grey, shiny PLATINUMPt

Isometric


5 Steel-grey Black GLAUCODOT(Co,Fe)AsS

Orthorhombic

5 Yellowish or reddish-brown Pale-brown to white cleavage variable, may be goodin one direction and poor togood in another direction

MONAZITE(Ce,La,Nd)PO4

Monoclinic

5 to 5 Dark-brown to Black: color

black in ferberite brown inhuebnerite

Dark-brown to Black:

streak darkens withincreasing Mn content

one perfect cleavage FERBERITE-HUEBNERITE ("Wolframite"series)(Fe,Mn)WO4

Monoclinic

5 to5 Pale Copper-red to Pinkishsilvery-white, tarnishing to

Dark-grey or Black

Black NICKELINENiAs

Hexagonal

5 to 5 Dark brown to black Yellow-brown or Yellow-

ocher GOETHITE

(pronounced "Ger-ta-ite.")FeO(OH)

Orthorhombic



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5 Dark-brown to Black, Iron-black to Brownish-black

CHROMITEFeCr2O4

(Magnesiochromite is closely

related, S.G. 4.2, Rare.Manganochromite, H. 6, is even

rarer.)

Isometric

5 to 6 Dark-brown to Steel-grey toblack

Rust-red or Indian-red HEMATITEFe2O3 Trigonal


Table IC: Metallic or Submetallic Luster and Hardness greater than 5:(Can not be scratched by aknife.)


4 to 5 Black or Dark greenish or yellowish-

brown

Pale yellowish or

brownish BETAFITE

(Ca,Na,U)2(Ti,Nb)2(OH)

Isometric massive (metamic

5 to 5 Pale Copper-red to PinkishSilvery-white, tarnishing to

Dark-grey or Black

Black NICKELINENiAs

Hexagonal usually massive, cpyramidal, often m

reticulated or arbo

5 to 5 Dark-brown to Black,color black in ferberite, brownin huebnerite

Dark-brown to

Black

one perfect cleavage FERBERITE-HUEBNERITE ("Wolframite"series)(Fe,Mn)WO4

Monoclinic usually massive, g

to bladed with ver

5 to 5 Dark-brown to black Yellow-brown or Yellow-ocher

GOETHITE(pronounced "Ger-ta-ite.")FeO(OH)

Orthorhombic usually in radiatinmammillary, or st

5 to 5 Dark-brown to Black, Dark

yellowish-brown to greenish-brown, Dark reddish-brown

Pale yellowish or

brownish MICROLITE

(Na,Ca)2Ta2O6(O,OH,F)

Isometric usually massive,granular, crystals

5 to 5 Brown to Black or Dark

yellowish-brown

Light-brown to

Yellowish-brown

PYROCHLORE(Na,Ca)2Nb2O6(OH,F).nH2O

Isometric usually massive, g

octahedral, modif


5 to 6 Black Black to Dark-brown

ROMANECHITEBaMnMnO16(OH)4

Orthorhombic usually massive, b

5 to 6 Black to silvery-black Black to Dark-brown

ILMENITEFeTiO3

Trigonal usual ly as platy mcrystals rare, thick

rhombohedral

5 to 6 Deep blood-red Black to Dark-

brown or Reddish-brown

perfect cleavages in two

directions

PYROPHANITEMnTiO3

Trigonal usually in fine-gra


5 Tin-white or Silvery-white Black one perfect cleavage COBALTITE/GERSDORFFITE(Co,Ni)AsS


pyritohedral crysta

octahedral and pyr(gersdorffite)

5 Tin-white or Silvery-white Black distinct cleavages at anglesto one another, poor

cleavage at a third angle

SKUTTERUDITE/NICKEL-SKUTTERUDITE:(Co,Ni)As2-3

Isometric usually massive, ccubooctahedral

5 Black Black to Dark-brown

URANINITEUO2

Isometric usually massive

5 Brownish-black Dark-brown CHROMITEFeCr2O4

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5 Pale copper-red Red-brown BREITHAUPTITENiSb

Hexagonal usually massive, c

5 to 6 Tin-white or silvery-white,tarnishing brown or bronzish

Black one distinct cleavage ARSENOPYRITEFeAsS

Monoclinic usually massive, gorthorhombic priscruciform twins or

5 to 6 Dark-brown to Steel-grey toblack

Rust-red or Indian-red

HEMATITEFe2O3

Trigonal usually massive inmicaceous aggreg

rhombohedral


6 Black Black MAGNETITEFe3O4

Isometric massive or in octa

6 Black Black to Dark-brown

one distinct cleavage COLUMBITE-TANTALITE(Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2O6

Orthorhombic usually massive pcrystals

6 Brownish-black Dark-brown FRANKLINITE(Fe,Zn,Mn)(Fe,Mn)2O4

Isometric usually massive, gcrystals


6 to 6 Brass-yellow Black (may be

greenish-black) PYRITE

FeS2

Isometric massive or in stria

crystals, may be tw

6 to 6 Brass-yellow Black (may begreenish-black) MARCASITEFeS2 Orthorhombic usually massive, g"coxcomb" clusteraggregates

6 to 6 Dark-brown to Black Pale-brown RUTILETiO2

Tetragonal usually in prismatstriated, often nee

silicate crystals, p

Note: The Betafite-Microlite-Pyrochlore 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

Rust-red to Indian-red 1+ to 6 Dark-brown to Steel-grey

to black HEMATITE

Fe2O3

Trigonal

Pink 1 to 2 Pale-pink to Red perfect cleavage ERYTHRITECo3(AsO4)2

.8H2OMonoclinic usually as earthy crusts or p

minerals, may be reniform

Pale-pink to Light-green

1 to 2 Apple-green , Grey, Pale-rose

at least one cleavage,perfect

ANNABERGITENi3(AsO4)2

.8H2OMonoclinic usually as coatings or crusts

appearing, crystals bladed to

Red 2 Red LITHARGEPbO

Tetragonal as alteration crusts on massi


Bright-Scarlet-red or

Vermilion toBrownish-red

2 to 2 Dark Ruby-red or Bright Ruby-red

PROUSTITE/PYRARGYRITEAg3(Sb,As)S3

Trigonal

Dark-red 2 Dark-red to Vermilion one perfect cleavage CINNABAR HgS

Trigonal usually earthy or granular, cred or reddish-brown, brighttransparent when pure, cryst

tabular to short prismatic

Bright- to Deep-red 2 to 3 Orange-yellow one distinct cleavage CROCOITEPbCrO4

Monoclinic usually in prismatic crystals

sub-vitreous luster, as parallmay be hollow
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Dark-red 3 to 4 Ruby-red to Reddish-brown

CUPRITECu2O

Isometric usually in octahedral or cubislender crystals, may also be


Orange-or Reddish-

yellow

1 to 2 Dark-red one good cleavage REALGAR AsS

Monoclinic usually massive, granular, c

Orange-yellow 4to 4 Yellow to

Orange-yellow to Deep-red

one

perfect cleavage

ZINCITE

(Zn,Mn)O

Hexagonal usually massive as irregular

Pale-yellow 1 to 2 Lemon-yellow one perfect cleavagegiving thin plates

ORPIMENTAs2S3

Monoclinic usually in foliated masses or

Pale-yellow 1 to 2 Bright-yellow imperfect cleavage inthree directions

SULFURS

Orthorhombic usually imperfectly crystalli

Pale-yellow 2 Sulfur-yellow MASSICOTPbO

Orthorhombic usually earthy or scaly mass


Very Pale-yellow toYellowish-green

2 to 2 Lemon-yellow toGreenish-yellow

one perfect cleavageand one distinct

AUTUNITE/META-AUTUNITECa(UO2)2(PO4)2

.10-12H2O

/Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2.2-6H2O

Tetragonal/Orthorhombic

usually as micaceous or scalcrystals thin or thick tabular

Very Pale-Yellow,Yellowish-white (bothrarely seen), White

2 to 3 Orange-red to Ruby-red,Brownish-red toBrownish-yellow or pale

Straw-yellow

VANADINITE (ApatiteGroup)Pb5(VO4)3Cl

Hexagonal usually in barrel-shaped priseither long or short, may be ("endlichite"), and as hollow

Very Pale-green 2 to 2 Emerald- to Grass-green,

Apple-green, Leek-green

one perfect cleavage

and one indistinct

TORBERNITE/

METATORBERNITECu(UO2)2(PO4)2

.11H2O /Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2

.8H2O

Tetragonal usually as micaceous or scal

crystals thin to thick tabular

Light-green 3 to3

Dark to Bright Emerald-green

one perfect cleavage,a second fair cleavage

ATACAMITECu2Cl(OH)3

Orthorhombic usually in granular cleavableand usually very small to mi


Light-green 3 Dark Emerald-green one perfect cleavage,one poor cleavage

ANTLERITECu3(SO4)(OH)4

Orthorhombic usually as mats of tiny acicugranular

Light-green 3 to 4 Dark Emerald-green toBright-green

BROCHANTITECu4(SO4)(OH)6

Monoclinic usually as crusts or mats of tbe stout prismatic to acicula

Light-green 3 to 4 Dark- to Bright-green one perfect cleavage MALACHITECu2(CO3)(OH)2

Monoclinic as either radiating fibrous mmammillary, or as slender tooften poorly formed (and oft

azurite), may be crusts, or ac

Pale Bluish-white to

White or Colorless

1 to 2 Deep-blue or Deep

Greenish-blue to Bluishgreen

one perfect cleavage VIVIANITEFe3(PO4)2

.8H2O

Monoclinic usually as flattened to blade

in stellate clusters or sprays,crusts, or reniform masses

Very Pale-blue toGrey or Tan

2 to 4 Pale- to Deep-blue, Blue-green, Green

CHRYSOCOLLACu2H2[Si2O5](OH)4

usually in glassy, opaline, orcrusts, often as mats of very

be botryoidal


Light-blue 2 Azure-blue to Bright-blue

LINARITEPbCu(SO4)(OH)2

Monoclinic usually as clusters or spraysor tabular crystals, bladed, m

crudely formed crystals

Light-blue 3 to 4 Deep Azure-blue one perfect cleavage AZURITECu3(CO3)2(OH)2

Monoclinic usually as small stout prism

sprays or radiating spherical

Bright-blue 5 to 5 Deep-blue to Medium-

Blue and Violet-blue

one distinct cleavage LAZURITENa3Ca(Al3Si3O12)S

Isometric usually massive, compact to

dodecahedral

Very Pale-blue to

White

5 to 6 Light- to Medium-blue,

Violet-blue,Grey, or White

one poor to distinct

cleavage

SODALITENa4(Al3Si3O12)Cl

Isometric usually massive granular, cr

octahedral. Rare


Brown 3 to 4 Light-tan to Dark-brown perfect cleavages in SIDERITE Trigonal usually in cleavable masses,


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three directionsproducing rhombicfragments

FeCO3 rhombohedrons, faces curve

Brown 3 to 4 Dark-brown to Black one perfect cleavage FERBERITE/HUEBNERITE

("Wolframite" series)(Fe,Mn)WO4

Monoclinic usually massive, granular, crwith vertical striations

Light-brown 3 to 4 Dark to Light-brown,Olive-brown, Reddish

brown, Reddish-black

perfect cleavage in sixdirections

SPHALERITEZnS Isometric usually in cleavable masses,wedge-shaped


Yellow-brown toOcher-yellow

5 to 5 Dark-brown to Black one perfect cleavage GOETHITE (pronounced"Ger-ta-ite"FeO(OH)

Orthorhombic usually in reniform or radiatbotryoidal or mammillary, a

Light-brown 6 to 6 Reddish-brown to Black one distinct cleavage RUTILETiO2

Tetragonal usually in slender prismatic striated faces, as "elbow twin

"sixlings"

Brown to Black 6 to 7 Light-brown to greyish or white

one imperfectcleavage

CASSITERITESnO2

Tetragonal usually as fibrous, reniformstream-worn nuggets, with acrystals usually twined, with

adamantine luster


Table IIB-1: Streak not colored, Cleavage Prominent, Hardness less than 2:(Can be scratched with

a fingernail, Streak: white or none.)

Cleavage Hardness Luster Color Name System H

imperfect in four directions(octahedral)


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Perfect in one direction 2 waxy luster. White to Grey,darker when impure, may beGreenish

PYROPHYLLITE:Al2Si4O10(OH)2

Monoclinic us

Perfect in one direction, good intwo directions(prismatic)

2 sub-vitreous to pearly (oncleavage faces) to silky or

dull

Colorless to White or Grey(may be stainedother colors by impurities)

GYPSUMCaSO4

.2H2OMonoclinic m

fib

tw


Perfect in three directions(cubic)

2 vitreous to sub-vitreous Colorlessto White (may be stained by

impurities)

HALITE(Common Salt)

NaCl

Isometric us

Perfect in three directions

(cubic)

2 vitreous to sub-vitreous Colorless to White (may be

stained by impurities)

SYLVITE(Potassium Salt)KCl

Isometric us

Perfect in one direction 2 to 2 pearly on cleavagesurfaces

White, may be Pale-green or Pale-yellow

MUSCOVITE(MicaGroup)Kal2(Si3Al)O10 (OH,F)2


usthhe


Perfect in one direction 2 to 2 pearly on cleavage surfaces White to Greenish-

white or Yellowish-brown

PHLOGOPITE

(Mica Group):KMg3(Si3Al)O10(F,OH)

Monoclinic,

pseudo-hexagonal

us

sh

Perfect in one direction 2 to 2 pearly on cleavagesurfaces

Black to Brownish-black

ANNITE("Biotite Mica Group)K(Fe,Mg)(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2


usth

Perfect in one direction (rarelyseen)

2 to 2 earthy Whiteto Tan, may be Greyish

KAOLINITEAl2Si2O5(OH)4

Triclinic us


Perfect in three directions

(cubic)

2 to 2 vitreous Bright-redto Pale-rose, white streak

VILLIAUNITENaF

Isometric us

by

Perfect in one direction 2 pearly on cleavage surfaces White, Grey, or Greenish-

white

BRUCITEMg(OH)2

Trigonal us

m

Perfect in one direction 2 sub-vitreous to waxy, may be

dull

White to Colorless,Greyish, to Yellowish orTannish

COOKEITE(Chlorite Group):LiAl4(Si3Al)O10(OH)8

Monoclinic us

robo


Table IIB-2: Streak NotColored, Cleavage Not Prominent, Hardness less than 2:(Can be scratched

with a fingernail; Streak: white or none; Cleavage absent or not obvious.)

Hardness Color Luster Cleavage Name System Habit


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massive or as crusts

2 Colorless to White or Grey

vitreous to sub-vitreous Perfect in one direction, imperfect in one

direction, good in one direction(prismatic), may not be apparent

NITER (Saltpeter) KNO3

Orthorhombic usuall

massidelica

2 to 2 White to Tan, may beGreyish

earthy luster Perfect in one direction, may not be seen KAOLINITEAl2Si2O5(OH)4

Triclinic usuall

Hardness Color Luster Cleavage Name System Habit

2 to 2 Bright-red to Pale-rose

vitreous to sub-vitreous Perfect in three directions (cubic), maynot be seen

VILLIAUNITE:NaF

Isometric usuallmodif(small

2 White toColorless, Greyish, to

Yellowish or Tannish

vitreous to waxy luster, maybe dull.

Perfect in one direction, may not be seen COOKEITE(Chlorite Group):

LiAl4(Si3Al)O10(OH)8

Monoclinic usuallin tiny

somewscales

Note: There are very few common to rare non-metallic species less than 2 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 re-examined. It probably either has a prominent cleavage or is harder than 2. Or it is

a very rare to extremely rare species not covered here.


Table IIC-1: Streak not colored, Cleavage prominent, Hardness 2 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

Perfect in onedirection (basal)

2 to 4 Lilac, Lavender,Greyish-to Greenish-white

pearly luster oncleavage surfaces

LEPIDOLITE(Mica Group)K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2


usually as aggregates distorted hexagonal sh

Perfect in one

direction (basal)

3 to 5 Deep to pale Lilac,

Grey toWhite

pearly on cleavage

surfaces

MARGARITE(Mica Group)CaAl2(Al2Si2)O10(OH)2

Monoclinic usually as flaky aggre

amphibolite schist


Perfect in three

directions (cubic)

2 Colorless to White

(maybe stained by

impurities)

vitreous to sub-

vitreous

HALITE(Common Salt)

NaCl

Isometric usually as granular cr

Perfect in three

directions (cubic)

2 Colorless to White

(maybe stained byimpurities)

vitreous to sub-

vitreous luster

SYLVITE(Potassium Salt)KCl

Isometric usually as granular cr

Distinct in onedirection

(prismatic), good ina second direction(basal) and fair to

poor in a thirddirection (rhombic

overall)

2 to 3 Colorless or Whiteto Greyish-white or

Greyish-brown

adamantine to sub-adamantine, may be

vitreous to resinous

on some surfaces

ANGLESITEPbSO4

Orthorhombic usually in crystalline mprismatic


Perfect in threedirections, corners

120o or 60o

(rhombic)

3; but may be 2 acrossthe top surface of

prismatic crystals witha flat termination

usually Clear orWhite to Tan or

Grey, but may betinted many colors

vitreous to sub-vitreous

CALCITECaCO3

Trigonal may be in cleavable mmarble),scalenohedral

rhombohedralrelated shapes
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make this one

crystal form a

forms it takes

this species to


Perfect in two

directions(prismatic) and fairin a third

3 Colorless, White, or

Grey (may bestained other colors)

vitreous to sub-

vitreous

KERNITE:

Na2B4O6(OH)2.3H2O

Monoclinic usually incleavable c

imperfect in onedirection (basal),

distinct in anotherdirection(rhombic), may not

be seen

3 to 3 Colorless to Whiteor Greyish-white,

maybe tinted othercolors


WITHERITE (AragoniteGroup)BaCO3

Orthorhombic,pseudo-hexagonal

usually as stout prismterminations on both e

and granular

Perfect in twodirections, imperfectto good in a third

(rhombic)

3 to 3 Colorless to Whiteor Greyish-white,may be tinted other

colors

vitreous and/orpearly

ANHYDRITECaSO4

Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crycleavage, or in granulusually equant or thic


Distinct in onedirection

(prismatic), good ina second direction(basal) and fair to


overall)

3to 3 Colorless to Whiteor Greyish-white,

may be tinted othercolors

vitreous, pearly onbasal cleavagesurfaces

BARITEBaSO4

Orthorhombic usually in clusters oraggregates of platy to

Distinct in one

direction(prismatic), good ina second direction(basal) and fair to


overall)

3 to 3 Colorless to White

or Greyish-white,Blue, may be tintedother colors

vitreous, pearly on

basal cleavagesurfaces

CELESTITE (Celestine)SrSO4

Orthorhombic usually in clusters or a

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 IIC-2a: Nonmetallic Luster; Streak Not Colored; Hardness 2 to 3; Cleavage Not Prominent;

Splinter Will Fuse in a Candle Flame.

Fusibility Color Hardness Luster Name System Habit

swells and fuses to

a glassyglobule in a candleflame

Usually Snow-white;Colorless to

White or Greyish-white, may betinted other colors

2 to 2 vitreous to resinous BORAX:

Na2B4O5(OH)4.

8H2O

Monoclinic usually

shortprisma

Small splintersfusible in a candle

flame

Colorless to White, may be tintedother colors

2 vitreous to greasy, has an unusual greasytranslucence

CRYOLITE: Na3AlF6 monoclinic usuallycrystal

usually

Small splinters

fusible in a candleflame

Colorless to White or Greyish-

White, may be tinted other colors

3 to 3 adamantine to vitreous, may be resinous

on cleavage surfaces, may also appearsubmetallic when dark colored

CERUSSITE (Aragonite

Group)PbCO3

orthorhombic usually

usuallybe pris
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Table IIC-2b: Nonmetallic Luster; Streak Not Colored; Hardness 2 to 3; Cleavage Not Prominent;

Infusible in a Candle Flame.

Color Hardness Luster Name System Habit

White to Tan, may be

Greyish

2 to 2 earthy KAOLINITEAl2Si2O5(OH)4

Triclinic usually as compact earthy masses

Colorless to White or

Greyish-white, may betinted other colors

3 to 3 vitreous and/or

pearly

ANHYDRITECaSO4

Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crystalline mas

cleavage, or in granular masses wicrystals rare and usually equant or

Colorless to White orGreyish-white, may be

tinted other colors

3 to 3 vitreous to sub-vitreous

WITHERITE(Aragonite Group):

BaCO3

Orthorhombic,pseudo-hexagonal

usually as stout prismatic twinned cross section, often with pyramida

more rarely as globular to botryoidaggregates, and granular

Colorless to White or Grey,may be tinted other colors

3 to 4 vitreous to sub-vitreous, silkywhen fibrous

STRONTIANITE(Aragonite Group)SrCO3

Orthorhombic usually in granular or fibrous aggrcrystalsshort prismatic to acicularcross- section (Ca-rich)

Shades of Green, olive,apple, dark to blackish, oftenmottled

2 to 4; rarely 5 to6 in dense massivematerial

sub-vitreous togreasy luster, feelsgreasy

ANTIGORITE/LIZARDITE/AMESITE(Serpentine Group)Generally(Mg,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4

Monoclinic,Orthorhombic andTriclinic

usually incrystalline masses, often

White to Grey, Pale-green toOlive-green, Golden-yellowto Brown

2 to 3 silky CLINOCHRYSOTILE/ORHTOCRYSOTILE/PARACHRYSOTILE

(Serpentine Group):Mg3Si2O5(OH)4

Monoclinic &Orthorhombic

usually in fine fibrous aggregates,fibers often very long and "weavea

Orange-red to Ruby-red,

Brownish-red to Brownish-yellow or paleStraw-yellow

2 to 3 luster sub-vitreous

to sub-resinous

VANADINITE(Apatite Group): Pb5(VO4)3Cl

Hexagonal usual ly in barrel- shaped prismatic

long or short, may be acicular in cland as hollow prisms - "hopper" cr

Dark-green to Yellow-green,

Yellow to Orange-Yellow,Brown, White, evenColorless

3 sub-vitreous to

resinous

PYROMORPHITE (Apatite

Group):Pb5(PO4)3Cl

Hexagonal usual ly in barrel- shaped, prismatic

also be spindle- shaped, hollow "tabular or pyramidal, crystals may structural zones due to zoned varia

Pale-yellow to Yellowish-brown, Orange-yellow to

Orange-red, Whiteto Colorless

3 to 4 luster sub-vitreousto resinous

MIMETITE(Apatite Group):Pb5(AsO4)3Cl

Hexagonal usual ly in simple barrel-shaped prior acicular, may be botryoidal or g

Green to Yellow, Greenish-white, Yellowish-Brown to

Brown, rarely other hues

3 to 4 vitreous to pearly, sometimes

resinous

WAVELLITE:Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)3.5H2O

Orthorhombic usually in radiating fibrous aggregcrusts, may be stalactic

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 IID-1: Nonmetallic Luster, Hardness Greater Than 3 but Less Than 5, and Prominent

Cleavage:(Can not be scratched by a copper penny, can be scratched by a knife, streak white or none.)
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Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System


13/26

imperfect in one direction(basal), may be distinct inanother direction

(rhombic)but usually notseen

3 to 3 Colorless to White or Greyish-white, may betinted other colors


WITHERITE(Aragonite Group)BaCO3

Orthorhombic,pseudo- hexagonal

Distinct in one direction(prismatic)

3 to 4 Colorless to White or Grey, may be tintedother colors

vitreous to sub-vitreous or resinous

ARAGONITE(Aragonite Group)CaCO3

Orthorhombic


Perfect cleavage in one

direction (prismatic)

3 to 4 Colorless to White, may

be Yellow, Brown, andother colors

vitreous, pearly on

cleavage surfaces

STILBITE-(Ca)(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,Na,K)9[Al9Si27O72].28H2O

Monoclinic

Perfect cleavage in onedirection (prismatic)

3 to 4 Colorless to White, maybe Grey, Yellow, Pink,

and other colors

vitreous, pearly oncleavage surfaces

HEULANDITE-(Ca)(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,Na,K)9[Al9Si27O72]

.~24H2O

Monoclinic



3 to 4 Colorless to White vitreous, pearly on

cleavage surfaces

CLINOPTILOLTE-(Ca)(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,Na,K)6[Al6Si30O72]

.~20H2O

Monoclinic

Perfect cleavage in onedirection (prismatic)

4 Colorless to White, maybe Pink or Brown


STELLERITE(Zeolite Group)Ca[Al2Si7O18]

.

7H2O

Orthorhombic

Perfect in one direction(prismatic), may have a poor

(pinacoidal) cleavage inanother direction

4 to 5 Colorless to White, Pale-pink, Pale-yellow to

Pale-brown

vitreous, pearly onsome cleavage

surfaces

BREWSTERITE-Sr/BREWSTERITE-Ba(Sr,Ba)2[Al4Si12O32]

.10H2O (Ba,Sr)2[Al4Si12O32].10H2O

Monoclinic &Triclinic




5 to 5 Pale-pink, Colorless to

White, may be Grey orother colors

usually vitreous to

silky in finer acicularaggregates, but may be

dull or even greasy

NATROLITE(Zeolite Group)

Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O

Orthorhombic

Poor in one direction, may

not be seen


be Yellow, Pink, or othercolors

vitreous ANALCIME(Zeolite Group)

Na[AlSi2O6].H2O

Polymorphous

(Iso., Tet., Orth.,Mon., Tric., Trig.)

Perfect in one direction (mayhave a distinct cleavage in a

second direction)

4 to 4 Colorless to white or Grey, may be tinted

other colors

vitreous to sub-adamantine

COLEMANITECa2B6O11

.5H2OMonoclinic

Perfect in one direction (mayhave an imperfect cleavage in

a second direction)

4 to 5 Colorless to White or Grey, Pale-green, may

also be other tints

vitreous to sub-vitreous, pearly on

cleavage surfaces

FLUORAPOPHYLLITE-HYDROXYLAPOPHYLLITEKCa4Si8O20F

.8H2O -KCa4Si8O20(OH).8H2O

Tetragonal


Perfect in one direction ( may

have a good cleavage inanother direction)

4 to 5 parallel

to the length ofthe crystal, 7 to

7 across thecrystal

Blue most common, also

Green, may be Grey,even Black, due to

inclusions

vitreous to subvitreous KYANITEAl2SiO5

Triclinic

Two DirectionsPerfect in one direction(prismatic), good in another


3 to 4 Colorless to White or Grey, may be tintedother colors

vitreous to sub-vitreous, silky whenfibrous


Orthorhombic

Two DirectionsPerfect in one direction,imperfect in a second (both

prismatic)

4 Bluish-grey to Greenish-

Grey (triphylite), whiteto greyish-white streak,Clove-brown to

Yellowish-brown,Salmon (lithiophilite)

vitreous to sub-

vitreous, may be dullin granular massivematerial

TRIPHYLITE-LITHIOPHILITELiFePO4 LiMnPO4

Orthorhombic


Two Directions: perfect inone direction (prismatic),good in a second direction

4 to 5 Colorless to White, maybe Pale-yellow, Pale-green, Sky-blue, Pale-

vitreous, pearly onsome cleavagesurfaces

HEMIMORPHITEZn4Si2O7(OH)2

.H2OOrthorhombic


14/26

(cleavages rarely seen) brown

Two Directions: perfect in

both directions (prismatic &pinacoidal)

4 to 5 White, Pale-pink, Pale-

tan, Pale-blue

vitreous to silky in

fibrous material

PECTOLITE(Wollastonite Group)

NaCa2Si3O8(OH)

Triclinic

Two Directions: perfect inone direction (prismatic),good in a second

(pinacoidal), may exhibit apoor to good third cleavage(rarely seen)

4 to 5 White to Greyish-white,may also be Pale-green

vitreous luster tosomewhat pearly infibrous material

WOLLASTONITE-1A(Wollastonite Group)CaSiO3

Triclinic


Two Directions: perfect intwo directions (prismatic &

pinacoidal)

4 to 5 Orange to Pinkish-orange to Rose

vitreous, pearly oncleavage surfaces

SERANDITE(Wollastonite Group)

Na(Mn,Ca)2Si3O8(OH)

Triclinic

Two Directions: perfect inone direction, imperfect in a

second direction (bothprismatic)

5 to 5 Yellowish-brown toGreenish-brown

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be

somewhat resinous oroily

TITANITE ("SPHENE")CaTiSiO5

Monoclinic

Two Directions: perfect inboth directions at nearly 90o

to one another (prismatic)

5 to 6 Pink to Rose-red,Brownish-red, usually

coated with blackmanganese oxides


somewhat pearly oncleavage surfaces

RHODONITE(Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3

Triclinic

Two Directions: perfect intwo directions

5 to 6 Dark Greenish- black toBlack

vitreous, splendant. BABINGTONITECa2(Fe,Mn)FeSi5O14(OH)

Triclinic



both directions (prismaticand pinacoidal)


be Pink to Orange-red

silky to vitreous DACHIARDITE-Ca(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,K,Na)4-5[Al4-5Si20-19O48].~13H2O

Monoclinic

Two Directions: distinct inone direction, indistinct in

another (both prismatic)

4 to 4 Colorless to White, maybe Pink to Red, Yellow

vitreous PHILLIPSITE-Ca(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,K,Na,Ba0.5)4-7[Al4-7,Si12-9O32].12H2O

Monoclinic

Two Directions: good in onedirection, fair in another

(both prismatic), faircleavage may not be seen

4 to 5 Colorless to White or Greyish-white, may be

tinted other colors

vitreous HARMOTOME(Zeolite Group)(Ba0.5,Ca0.5,K,Na)5[Al5Si11O32].12H2O

Monoclinic

Two Directions:perfect in one direction(prismatic), poor in another,

(pinacoidal), second may notbe seen

4 to 5 Colorless to White, Pale-pink, Pale-yellow toPale-brown

vitreous, pearly onsome cleavagesurfaces

BREWSTERITE-Sr/BREWSTERITE-Ba(Sr,Ba)2[Al4Si12O32]

.10H2O -

(Ba,Sr)2[Al4Si12O32].10H2O

Monoclinic &Triclinic



both directions (bothprismatic)

5 Colorless to White, may

be Pink to Red,Yellowish or Green

silky when fibrous,

vitreous when acicular

MESOLITE(ZeoliteGroup)Na16Ca16[Al48Si72O240].64H2O

Orthorhombic

Two Directions:perfect in both directions(both prismatic)

5 to 5 Colorless to White, Pink

to Red or Salmon, Green

vitreous, silky in

fibrous material

SCOLECITE(Zeolite Group)Ca[Al2Si3O10]

.3 H2O

Monoclinic

Two Directions:perfect in one direction(prismatic), good to distinct

in a second direction(actually a parting, butdistinct prismatic)

5 to 5 Colorless to White, Pale-

pink to Pale-red, may beother colors

vitreous, silky in more

fibrous aggregates,more rarely greasy or

dull

NATROLITE(Zeolite Group)Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O

Orthorhombic

Two Directionsperfect in one direction, good

in another (both prismatic),may not be seen

5 to 5 Colorless to White, maybe tinted other colors,

white streak

vitreous to pearly THOMSONITE(Zeolite Group)Ca2Na[Al5Si5O20]

. 6H2O

Orthorhombic

Two Directions at ~56o and~124o , prismatic

5 to 6 Grey to Lavender-blue or Pale-blue

vitreous, silky inasbestiform varieties

GLAUCOPHANE -FERROGLAUCOPHANE

Monoclinic


15/26

Amphibole Group; good toperfect in both directions

Na2(Mg3Al2)Si8O22(OH)2 - Na2(Fe3Al2)Si8O22(OH)2


Two Directions at ~56o and

~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; good to

perfect in both directions

5 to 6 Light-blue to Blue-black vitreous, silky in

asbestiform varieties

MAGNESIORIEBECKITE -RIEBECKITE

Na2(Mg3Fe2)Si8O22(OH)2 -Na2(Fe3Fe2)Si8O22(OH)2

Monoclinic

Two Directions at ~56o and~124o , prismatic

Amphibole Group;perfect inboth directions

5 to 6 White to Light-Green toDark-green


TREMOLITE-ACTINOLITECa2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2 Ca2(Fe,Mg)5Si8O22(OH)2

Monoclinic

Two Directions at ~56o and~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; good to

perfect in both directions

5 to 6 Brown to Greenish-brown to Green orGreyish-green

vitreous, silky infibrous varieties

CUMMINGTONITE -GRUNERITEMg7Si8O22(OH)2Fe7Si8O22(OH)2

Monoclinic

Cleavage Habit Color Luster Name System


~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; perfect inone direction, imperfect in

the second

5 to 6 White to Grey or Pale-

green to Clove-brown orDark-brown

vitreous, silky in

asbestiform varieties

ANTHOPHYLLITE -FERROANTHOPHYLLITEMg7Si8O22(OH)2 Fe7Si8O22(OH)2

Orthorhombic


~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; perfect inone direction, imperfect in

the other

5 to 6 Pale Greenish-grey to

Greenish-brown andBrown

vitreous, silky when

fibrous

GEDRITE-FERROGEDRITEMg5Al2[Si6Al2O22](OH)2 Fe5Al2[Si6Al2O22] (OH)2

Orthorhombic


~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; perfect in

both directions

5 to 6 Black to Greenish-black

or Dark-green

vitreous MAGNESIOHORNBLENDE -FERROHORNBLENDECa2[Mg4(Al,Fe)]Si7AlO22(OH)2 -

Ca2[Fe4(Al,Fe)]Si7AlO22(OH)2

Monoclinic


Two Directions at ~56o and~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; perfect in

both directions

5 to 6 Pale-green to Dark-green, Greyish-brown toBrown, Yellow-brown to

Reddish-brown or Rose-

red


RICHTERITE -FERRORICHTERITE

Na(Ca,Na) Mg5Si8O22(OH)2-Na(Ca,Na)Fe5Si8O22(OH)2

Monoclinic

Two directions at nearly 90o,prismatic Pyroxene Group.good to perfect in both

directions

5 to 6 Pale-to Medium-green,Pale-yellow to lightYellowish-brown, Pale-

bronze ("bronzite")

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be sub-metallic in the

"bronzite" and"hypersthene" varieties

ENSTATITE/CLINOENSTATITEMg2Si2O6

Orthorhombic &Monoclinic


Two directions at nearly 90o,prismatic Pyroxene Group.good in both directions

5 to 6 Greenish-brown or Brown to nearly Black

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull,may be pearly to sub-

metallic on cleavagesurfaces

FERROSILITE/CLINOFERROSILITE(Fe,Mg)2Si2O6

Orthorhombic &Monoclinic

Two directions at nearly 90o,prismatic Pyroxene Group:good to perfect in both

directions

5 to 6 Pale- to Dark-green, maybe White or Greenish-white to Greyish-white

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull

DIOPSIDECaMgSi2O6

Monoclinic

Two directions at nearly 90o,

prismatic Pyroxene Group:good in both directions

5 to 6 Pale- to Dark-green,

Brownish-green toBrownish- or Greenish-

black

vitreous to sub-

vitreous, may be dull

HEDENBERGITECaFe Si2O6

Monoclinic


Two directions at nearly 90o, 5 to 6 Greenish-black to Black, v itreous to sub- AUGITE Monoclinic


16/26

prismatic Pyroxene Group:good in both directions

Light- to Dark-brown vitreous, may be dull (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6

Two directions at nearly 90o,prismatic Pyroxene Group:good to perfect in both

directions

5 to 6 Dark-green or Reddish-brown to Black

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull

AEGIRINE (ACMITE)NaFeSi2O6

Monoclinic


Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral Trigonal

Carbonates: perfect in allthree directions

3, may be 2 acrossthe top surface of

prismatic crystalswith a flattermination

usually Clear or White toTan or Grey, but may be

tinted many colors

vitreous to sub-vitreous luster, may be

waxy or dull onweathered crystals,

pearly on cleavage

surfaces

CALCITECaCO3

Trigonal

Three cleavage directions,

rhombohedral TrigonalCarbonates: perfect in allthree directions

3 to 4 White to Grey, may be

tinted Yellowish toBrownish

vitreous to sub-

vitreous, may bepearly on cleavagesurfaces

MAGNESITE(Calcite Group)MgCO3

Trigonal



3 to 4 White to Tan or Pink,Grey, Greenish, tends

towards Brown withincreasing Fe, Red with

Mn

usually vitreous tosub-vitreous, but may

be pearly

DOLOMITECaMg(CO3)2

Trigonal




3 to 4 White to Tan or Brown usually vitreous tosubvitreous, but may

be pearly

ANKERITE(Dolomite Group)Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)(CO3)2

Trigonal



3 to 4 White to Pale-rose vitreous to sub-vitreous, but may be

pearly

KUTNOHORITE(Dolomite Group)Ca(Mn,Mg,Fe) (CO3)2

Trigonal

Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral TrigonalCarbonates: perfect in all

three directions

3 to 4 Pink to Red, in variousshades, also more rarelyYellow-grey or Tan to

Brown


pearly on cleavage

surfaces

RHODOCHROSITE(Calcite Group)MnCO3

Trigonal




4 to 4 Greyish-white to Dark-grey, Greenish- or

Brownish-white, may beGreen to Apple-green,

Blue to Blue-green,Yellow, Pink or Brown

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may look

somewhat porcelain-like

SMITHSONITE(Calcite Group)ZnCO3

Trigonal

Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral TrigonalCarbonates: perfect in all

three directions

3 to 4 Dark-brown to Tan toCream, may be Blackish-

brown due to weathering

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be oilyto resinous on

weathered, oxidizedsurfaces

SIDERITE(Calcite Group)FeCO3

Trigonal

Three cleavage directions perfect to distinct in all three

directions, rhombohedral

3 to 5 Colorless to White, maybe tinted various colors


CHABAZITE(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,K,Na)4[Al4Si8O22]

.12H2O

Triclinic, pseudo-trigonal


Three cleavage directions perfect to distinct in all threedirections, rhombohedral

4 to 4 Colorless to White, maybe tinted various colors

vitreous to subvitreous LEVYNE(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,Na,K)6[Al6Si12O36]

.~17H2O

Trigonal

Three cleavage directions Perfect in two directions,

imperfect in a third, allprismatic

3 to 4 White usually tintedother colors

vitreous, pearly oncleavage surface,

chalky whendehydrated

LAUMONTITE(Zeolite Group)Ca4[Al8Si16O48]

.18H2O

Monoclinic


17/26

Three cleavage directions one cleavage perfect, oneimperfect, both prismatic,

one good, basal

3 to 3 Colorless to White,usually tinted othercolors


pearly on cleavage

surfaces

ANHYDRITECaSO4

Orthorhombic


Three cleavage directions Perfect in two directions,

basal and prismatic,imperfect in a third, prismatic(rhombic overall)


tinted other colors, streakwhite

vitreous, pearly onbasal cleavage surfaces

BARITEBaSO4

Orthorhombic

Three cleavage directions Perfect in one direction,

basal, good in a second andfair to poor in a third, both

prismatic (rhombic overall)

3 to 3 White to Greyish-white,Blue, may be tinted other

colors, streak white

vitreous, pearly onbasal cleavage

surfaces,

CELESTITE (Celestine)(Barite Group)SrSO4

Orthorhombic

Three cleavage directions

one distinct (prismatic),second direction good(basal), and fair to poor in a

third, (prismatic); rhombicoverall may be difficult tosee all three

2 to 3 Colorless to White or

Greyish-white toGreyish-brown

adamantine to sub-

adamantine, may bevitreous to resinous onsome surfaces

ANGLESITE(Barite Group)PbSO4

Orthorhombic


Three cleavage directions perfect in two directions,

prismatic, good to imperfectin a thrid, basal


tinted other colors

vitreous and/or pearly. ANHYDRITECaSO4

Orthorhombic

Four cleavage directions -perfect in all four directions,

octahedral

4 Colorless, Green, Purple,Blue, Yellow, Pink

vitreous FLUORITECaF2

Isometric

Four cleavage directions -

imperfect to distinct in twodirections, good in twodirections, all prismatic

5 to 6 White to Grey,

Yellowish, Brownish,Orange, Purple

vitreous to

subvitreous, may bedull also

MARIALITE-MEIONITE(Scapolite series)3NaAlSi3O8. NaCl 3CaAl2Si2O8

.CaCO3

Tetragonal


Six cleavage directions -

perfect in all six directions,dodecahedral, but difficult to

produce in some of them

3 to 4 Brown to Black, Yellow-

brown to Greenish-yellow-brown, may also

be Red in small crystals

resinous, but may be

oily or sub-metallic oncleavage surfaces andadamantine in small

crystals

SPHALERITE(Zn,Fe)S

Isometric

Six cleavage directions -poor to distinct in all six

directions, dodecahedral,may not be seen

5 to 6 Medium-Blue to Violet-blue, Greyish-white to

White, more rarelyGreenish- or Yellowish-

white

vitreous tosubvitreous, may be

somewhat dull inmassive material

SODALITENa8Al6Si6O24Cl2

Isometric

Six cleavage directions - poor

to distinct in all six

directions, dodecahedral,may not be seen

5 to 5 Deep-blue to Medium-

Blue or Violet-blue, may

be Greenish-blue,Colorless

dull to vitreous LAZURITE(Sodalite Group)(Na,Ca)7-8(Al,Si)12(O,S)24[(SO4),Cl2,(OH)2]

Isometric,

Triclinic, and

Monoclinicpolytypes

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 site-specific knowledge.


18/26

Pyroxenes can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Locality information is usually the best bet for

determining what you have.


Table IID-2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness greater than 3 but less than 5, 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

2 to 3 Bright-yellow, Orange-yellow, Orange, Red, Grey,

Green, White

sub-adamantine tovitreous, may be greasy

WULFENITEPbMoO4

Tetragonal , usual ly as thin platy topyramidal, more rarel

2 to 3 Orange-red to Ruby-red,

Brownish-red to Brownish-yellow or pale Straw-yellow

sub-vitreous to sub-

resinous

VANADINITE(Apatite Group)Pb5(VO4)3Cl

Hexagonal usually in barrel-shap

prismatic, may be acicand as hollow prisms

2 to 4, rarely 5 to 6in dense massivematerial

Apple-green to Yellow-green,Dark-green to Dark Grey-green, Greenish-black, White,

often mottled

sub-vitreous to greasy ANTIGORITE/LIZARDITE/AMESITE(Serpentine Group)Generally(Mg,Al)3(Si,AL)2O5(OH)4

Monoclinic,Orthorhombic andTriclinic

usually as crystalline m


3, but may be 2 across

the top surface ofprismatic crystals with

a flat termination

usually Clear or White to Tan

or Grey, but may be tintedmany colors

vitreous to sub-vitreous CALCITE(certain massive forms)CaCO3

Trigonal may be in banded mas

masses (limestone and

3 to 3 Colorless to White or

Greyish-white, may be tintedother colors

vitreous to sub-vitreous WITHERITE(certain massive forms - AragoniteGroup)BaCO3

Orthorhombic,

pseudo-hexagonal

in coarse fibrous aggr

more rarely as globula

3 Bright-green to Yellow-green, Yellow to Orange-

yellow, Brown, White,colorless

sub-vitreous to resinous PYROMORPHITE(Apatite Group)Pb5(PO4)3Cl

Hexagonal usually in barrel-shapspindle-shaped, hollow

tabular or pyramidal, or structural zones du


3 to 4 Pale-yellow to Yellow-

brown, Orange-yellow toOrange-red, White or

Colorless

sub-vitreous to resinous MIMETITE(Apatite Group)Pb5(AsO4)3Cl

Hexagonal usually in simple barr

acicular, may be botry

3 to 4 Colorless to White or Grey,

may be tinted other colors


or resinous

ARAGONITE(certain massive forms)CaCO3

Orthorhombic in columnar, radiating

3 to 4 Colorless to White or Grey,may be tinted other colors

vitreous to sub-vitreous, silky whenfibrous


Orthorhombic in granular or fibrous short prismatic to acicsection (Ca-rich)

3 to 4 White to Grey, may be tintedYellowish to Brownish

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be pearly

on cleavage surfaces

MAGNESITE(Calcite Group)MgCO3

Trigonal usually massive, granuprismatic but are rare


3 to 4 White to Greyish-white,Reddish to Reddish-brown,

Yellowish

dull to sub-vitreous ALUNITEKAl3(SO4)2(OH)6

Trigonal usually massive, granukaolinite, etc

3 to 4 Yellowish-green, Green to

Yellow, Yellow-brown,Brown, more rarely Blue,White, Colorless

vitreous to pearly or

resinous

WAVELLITEAl3(PO4)2(OH,F)3

.5H2O

Orthorhombic usually stellate or hem

crystals

4 to 4 Greyish-white to Dark-grey,

Greenish- or Brownish-white,may be Green to Apple-green,

vitreous to sub-

vitreous, may looksomewhat porcelain-

SMITHSONITE(Calcite Group)ZnCO3

Trigonal usually in botryoidal,

rhombohedral crystalssomewhat curved and


19/26

Blue to Blue-green, Yellow,Pink or Brown

like

4 to 5 Colorless to White, may bePale-yellow, Pale-green, Sky-

blue, Pale-brown

vitreous, pearly onsome cleavage surfaces

HEMIMORPHITEZn4Si2O7(OH)2

.H2OOrthorhombic usually in radiating cl

flattened long prismatbotryoidal crusts of th

4 to 5 White to Colorless, Pale-yellow, Pale-green, Pale-

orange

vitreous to adamantine SCHEELITECaWO4

Tetragonal usually as grains or flaplaty to thin tabular or


4 to 5 White, Pale-pink, Pale-tan,Pale-blue

vitreous to silky infibrous material

PECTOLITE(Wollastonite Group)

NaCa2Si3O8(OH)

Triclinic usually in acicular spr

5 to 5 Pale-pink, Colorless to White,

may be Grey or other colors

usually vitreous to silky

in finer acicularaggregates, but may bedull or even greasy

NATROLITE(Zeolite Group)

Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O

Orthorhombic usually as long slende

aggregates, may also b

5 to 5 Colorless to White, may be

Yellow, Pink, or other colors

vitreous ANALCIME(Zeolite Group)

Na[AlSi2O6].H2O

Polymorphous (Iso.,

Tet., Orth., Mon.,Tric., Trig.)

usually in cubic or tra

masses, more rarely in

5 to5 White, usually tinted Pale-green, may be Pale-blue

vitreous to greasy DATOLITE(Gadolinite Group)Ca2B2Si2O8(OH)

Monoclinic may be either platy tomore rarely as sphericcompact


5 to 6 White, Yellow, Red, Brown,Black

OPALSiO2

.nH2OAmorphous glassy massive materi

"nodules," etc.

5 to 6 White to Grey, Yellowish,Brownish, Orange, Purple

vitreous to subvitreous,may be dull

MARIALITE-MEIONITE(Scapolite series)3NaAlSi3O8

. NaCl -3CaAl2Si2O8.CaCO3

Tetragonal usually massive, eithemasses may exhibit pr

short to medium prismterminations, usually


5 White to Colorless, Greens,Blues, Lavender, Yellows,Purples

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull inmassive material

FLUORAPATITE(Apatite Group)Ca5(PO4)3F

Hexagonal variable, may be massin short- to long-prismhabits, the hexagonal

being the most comm

and even bipyramidalacicular

5 to 5 Yellowish- or Reddish-brownto Brown, Pale-green to

nearly White

resinous to waxy MONAZITE(Ce,La,Y,Th)PO4

Monoclinic usually in crude blockalso as rounded grains


5 to 5 Light-green to Yellow-green,

Yellow-brown to Reddish-brown, Colorless

vitreous, occasionally

resinous

WILLEMITEZn2SiO4

Trigonal usually massively cry

hexagonal crystals

5 to 6 Medium-Blue to Violet-blue,

Greyish-white to White, morerarely Greenish- or

Yellowish-white

vitreous to subvitreous SODALITENa8Al6Si6O24Cl2

Isometric usually as granular ma

crudely cleavable, crycubo-dodecahedral, ra

5 to 5 Deep-blue to Medium-Blue

or Violet-blue, may beGreenish-blue, Colorless

LAZURITE(Sodalite Group)(Na,Ca)7-8(Al,Si)12(O,S)24[(SO4),Cl2,(OH)2]

Isometric, Triclinic,

and Monoclinicpolytypes

usually as compact m

usually well-formed d



20/26

Table IIIA-1: Hardness greater than 5 but less than 7; Cleavage prominent(Can not be scratched by

a knife, can be scratched by quartz.)


Perfect in one direction(prismatic)

4 to 5 parallel tocleavage and

crystal faces, 6 to7 across crystaland cleavagefaces

Blue, Green, Grey, White, veryrarely Black

Vitreous to sub-vitreous KYANITEAl2SiO5

Triclinic


5 to 6 Light-brown to Black Resinous or pitchy/submetallic

ALLANITE-(Ce)(Epidote Group)(Ce,Ca,Y)2(Al,Fe,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)

Monoclinic

Perfect in one direction

(prismatic)

6 to 7 Green to Yellow-green, Yellow,

Grey, Brownish-green,Greenish-black, Black

vitreous to sub-vitreous ,

dull in weathered crystalsand massive materials

EPIDOTECa2(Fe,AL)3(SiO4)3(OH)

Monoclinic



6 to 7 Grey, Green to Yellowish-green,Pinkish, Brown, Blue, Purple,Colorless

vitreous, may be pearly oncleavage surfaces

ZOISITE(Epidote Group)Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)

Orthorhombi

Perfect in one direction

(prismatic)

6 to 7 Colorless to White, Grey, Pale-

brown to Pale-yellow, morerarely Pale-blue to Pale-green

vitreous to subvitreous, silky

in fibrous material, may bedull on weathered surfaces

SILLIMANITEAl2SiO5

Orthorhombi


Two cleavage directions at

or nearly 90o. Perfect in onedirection (prismatic)

6 to 7 White to Greyish-white,

Colorless, Pinkish-white to Pale-lavender, more rarely Greenish

to Yellowish, Brown, Rose-redto Dark-red

vitreous to sub-adamantine,

"brilliant"

DIASPOREAlO(OH)

Orthorhombi

Perfect in two directions(prismatic)

6 Brown to Greenish-brown,Colorless, Black

Vitreous PIGEONITE(Pyroxene Group)(Mg,Fe,Ca)(Mg,Fe)Si2O

Monoclinic

Perfect in two directions(prismatic)

6 to 7 Grey to White, Colorless, Tan,Yellow, Pale-green to Bright-

green ("hiddenite"), Pink toLilac to Violet ("kunzite")

vitreous to sub-vitreous SPODUMENE(Pyroxene Group)LiAlSi2O6

Monoclinic

perfect in two directions(prismatic),often not apparent

6 to 7 Dark-green to Medium-Green to(more rarely) Pale-green, White

to Grey or Bluish-grey,Lavender to Violet

vitreous to sub-vitreous,may be dull in granular

material

JADEITE(Pyroxene Group)

Na(Al,Fe)Si2O6

Monoclinic


Perfect in one direction,good in the second(prismatic)

6 to 6 White to colorless, Cream toTan and Pale-yellow, Salmon-

pink to Red, Green to Blue-

green

vitreous to sub-vitreous,may exhibit opalescence("adularia")

MICROCLINE(Feldspar Group)KAlSi3O8

Triclinic

Perfect in one direction,

imperfect in the second(prismatic)

6 to 6 White to colorless, Cream to

Tan to Pale-yellow, Pink toBrownish-red

vitreous to sub-vitreous,

may be dull in granularmasses, may exhibit pale

blue to white opalescence

("moonstone")

ORTHOCLASE(Feldspar Group)KalSi3O8

Monoclinic


Perfect in one direction,good in the second

(prismatic)

6 to 6 White to Light-grey andColorless, in albite, may be

tinged blue or green, darkeningto Dark-grey to Black in

anorthite, intermediate membersmedium to darker greys (rarer

vitreous, labradorite exhibitsopalescence/

"labradorescence"

ALBITE ANORTHITE(Plagioclase Series)

NaAlSi3O8 CaAl2Si2O8

Triclinic


21/26

than end members)

Perfect in one direction(prismatic), good in the

other (pinacoidal)

5 to 6 Pink to Rose-red to Brownish-red, may also be Orangish-red in

some weathered material

vitreous to sub-vitreous,may be dull in massive

material

RHODONITE(Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca) SiO3

Triclinic


Perfect in one direction(prismatic), imperfect in

the other (pinacoidal)

5 to 6 vitreous to splendant Black to dark Greenish-black

BABINGTONITE(Rhodonite Group)Ca2(Fe,Mn)FeSi5O14(OH)

Triclinic

Perfect in one direction,

imperfect in the seconddirection (both prismatic)

5 to 5 Yellowish-brown to Greenish-

brown


may be somewhat resinousor oily.

TITANITE ("SPHENE")CaTiSiO5

Monoclinic

Perfect in two directions(prismatic and pinacoidal)

6 Pale Yellowish-grey toYellowish-green, Colorless, Pale-rose toRed

vitreous to sub-vitreous CLINOZOISITE(Epidote Group)Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)

Monoclinic


perfect in one direction

(prismatic), imperfect inanother (pinacoidal),distinct in a third

(prismatic), and may have afourth, good, direction

(prismatic)

5 to 6 White to Milky- or Cream-

white, Grey, Yellowish to Tanor Beige, Salmon-pink, may also

be Greenish or Bluish, Colorless

vitreous to greasy AMBLYGONITE-MONTEBRASITELiAl(PO4)F LiAl(PO4)(OH)

Triclinic

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

IID-1.


Table IIIA-2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness Greater Than 5 and Less Than 7; Cleavage not

prominent.(Can not be scratched by a knife blade, but can be scratched by quartz)


5 to 5 Colorless to White, usually

tinted Pale-green, may bePale-blue

vitreous to greasy DATOLITE(Gadolinite Group)Ca2B2Si2O8(OH)2

Monoclinic may be either platy to sho

crystals, more rarely as spmassive, granular to comp

5 to 6 White, Yellow, Red, Brown,Black

glassy OPALSiO2.nH2O

amorphous massive, as fracture filling"nodules," etc.

5 to 5 Azure-blue to Sky-blue, more

rarely Bluish-white to Bluish-green

vitreous to sub-vitreous LAZULITE-SCORZALITEMgAl2(PO4)2 (OH)2 FeAl2(PO4)2(OH)2

Monoclinic usually as finely crystallin

crystals rare and usually mpyramidal, tabular

5 to 6 Sky-blue to Bluish-green to

Apple-green, Green-grey

vitreous to sub-vitreous TURQUOISECuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8

.4H2O

Tricl inic usually massive in crusts

dense to finely crystallineprismatic


5 to 6 White to Grey, Yellowish,

Brownish, Orange, Purple MARIALITE-MEIONITE

(Scapolite series)3NaAlSi3O8.NaCl 3CaAl2Si2O8.CaCO3

Tetragonal usually massive, either co

(columnar masses may excleavage surfaces), also as

prismatic crystals with bi


22/26

terminations, usually som

5 Light-green to Yellow-green,

Yellow-brown to Reddish-brown, Colorless

vitreous, to resinous WILLEMITE(Phenakite Group)Zn2SiO4

Trigonal usually massively crystal l

in prismatic hexagonal cry

5 to 6 Greyish-white to White,Colorless

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may bedull

LEUCITEK(AlSi2O6)

Tetragonal andIsometric

usually massive, granularcrystals equant or blocky often multiply twinned


5 to 6 White, often tinted yellowishor greenish, Grey, Reddish-

brown

vitreous to greasy NEPHELINE(Na,K)AlSiO4

Hexagonal usually as crystalline graincrystalline, crystals rare, h

pinacoidal or pyramidal te

5 to 6 Black to Light-brown resinous or pitchy, may appear sub-metallic

ALLANITE-(Ce)(Epidote Group)(Ce,Ca,Y)2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)

Monoclinic usually massive, may be pcrystals extremely rare or

5 to 6 Colorless to White or Greyish-

white, Pale-tan

vitreous EUCRYPTITE(Phenakite Group)LiAlSiO4

Trigonal usually coarsely crystallin

compact, crystals equant

5 to 6 Green or Chartreuse, Yellowto Yellow-green to Yellow-

Brown to Brown, Pink to Red,Black, White, Purple, Blue

vitreous to sub-vitreous VESUVIANITE("Idocrase")Ca10Mg2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2O7)2(OH)4

Tetragonal usually as stout prismatic

6 to 6 Pale-yellow, Brownish-red toReddish- or Greenish-brown,Pale-orange

vitreous to greasy CHONDRODITE(Humite Group)(Mg,Fe)5(SiO4)2(F,OH)2

Monoclinic usually in equant crystalliequant, blocky


6 to 6 Yellow to Dark-orange,Reddish-orange

vitreous to sub-vitreous HUMITE(Mg,Fe)7(SiO4)3(F,OH)2

Orthorhombic usually in equant crystalliextremely rare, also equan

6 to 6 Pale- to Medium-green, Pale-yellow, Tan to Pinkish-tan,Grey to White

vitreous to sub-vitreous, may besomewhat pearly on freshly brokenexposures

PREHNITECa2Al2Si3O10(OH)2

Orthorhombic usually botryoidal to mamencrusting matrix, also sta"bowtie" or "hourglass" a

extremely rare, short-prism

6 to 6 Dark Reddish-brown to Black usually sub-adamantine to

adamantine, but may also bemetallic

RUTILETiO2

Tetragonal usually as prismatic to aci

reticulated, may be vertica


6 Black metallic to submetallic PYROLUSITE(Rutile Group)MnO2

Tetragonal usually in earthy masses whardness (2), but actual crshort-prismatic to equant,

small crystals

6 to 7 Black to Dark-brown, may

also be Yellowish-grey, morerarely Red, White or Colorless

adamantine to metallic in crystals,

greasy on fracture surfaces, may beearthy or submetallic in botryoids,concretions, and massive forms

CASSITERITE(Rutile Group)SnO2

Tetragonal usually massive as botryo

concretions ("wood tin"), prismatic and complexly tunusual shapes ("knees,"

"stars," etc.)

6 to 7 Grey to Bluish-grey, Brown to

Honey-brown or Yellow toGolden-brown, more rarelyGreen or Violet

vitreous to sub-vitreous FERRO-AXINITE MANGANAXINITECa2FeAl2BSi4O15(OH) Ca2MnAl2BSi4O15(OH)

Tricl inic usually as thin wedge-sha

often arranged in rosettes


6 to 7 Pale-yellow to Olive-green to

Olive-brown, Black

vitreous to sub-vitreous (forsterite)

or submetallic to dull (fayalite)

FAYALITE FORSTERITE(Olivine Group)Fe2(SiO4) Mg2(SiO4)

Orthorhombic usually as crystalline mas

crystals short-prismatic


Table IIIB-1: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness 7 to 10; Has a Prominent Cleavage.(Can not be

scratched by quartz.)


23/26


One cleavage direction: perfect

(prismatic)

6 to 7 Grey, Green to Yellowish-green, Pinkish,

Brown, Blue, Purple, Colorless

vitreous, may be pearly on

cleavage surfaces

ZOISITE(Epidote Group)Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)

Orthorhombi

One cleavage direction: perfect(prismatic)

6 to 7 Green to Yellow-green, Yellow, Grey,Brownish-green, Greenish-black, Black

vitreous to sub-vitreous, dullin weathered crystals andmassive materials

EPIDOTECa2(Fe,Al)3(SiO4)3(OH)

Monoclinic


One cleavage direction:perfect(prismatic)

6 to 7 Colorless to White, Grey, Pale-brown toPale-yellow, more rarely Pale-blue to Pale-green

vitreous to subvitreous, silkyin fibrous material, may bedull on weathered surfaces

SILLIMANITEAl2SiO5

Orthorhombi

One cleavage direction: perfect

(prismatic)

6 to 7 White to Greyish-white, Colorless,

Pinkish-white to Pale-lavender, morerarely Greenish to Yellowish, Brown,Rose-red to Dark-red

vitreous to sub-adamantine,

"brilliant"

DIASPOREAlO(OH)

Orthorhombi

One cleavage direction:perfect(pinacoidal, basal)

8 Colorless to Milky-white, Yellowish, to

Brownish, Pinkish, Bluish, Greenish

vitreous, may be somewhat

greasy on fracture surfaces

TOPAZAl2SiO4(F,OH)2

Orthorhombi


Two cleavage directions: perfectin both directions (prismatic)

6 to 7 Dark-green to Medium-Green to (morerarely) Pale-green, White to Grey or

Bluish-grey, Lavender to Violet

luster vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull in

granular material

JADEITE(Pyroxene Group)

Na(Al,Fe)Si2O6

Monoclinic

Two cleavage directions: perfect

in both directions (prismatic)

6 to 7 Grey to White, Colorless, Tan, Yellow,

Pale-green to Bright-green ("hiddenite"),Pink to Lilac to Violet ("kunzite")

vitreous to sub-vitreous SPODUMENE(Pyroxene Group)LiAlSi2O6

Monoclinic

Two cleavage directions: oneperfect (basal) and one good

(prismatic)

6 to 7 Colorless to White, more rarely Pale-yellow, Pale-ping or Pale-brown

vitreous BERTRANDITEBe4Si2O7(OH)2

Orthorhombi


Three parting directions: fairrhombohedral and basal (looks

like cleavage on a small scale)

9 Dark-grey to Light-grey to Blue-grey toBlue (sapphire), Red (ruby), and Yellow,

Brown and Green in sapphire

vitreous to sub-vitreous anddull

CORUNDUMAl2O3

Trigonal

Four cleavage directions: perfect

in four directions (pyramidal)

10 Colorless to Yellow, Brown or Grey, may

be Pink, Red, Blue, Green, and Black due

to inclusions

adamantine DIAMONDC

Isometric


Table IIIB-2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness 7 to 10; Cleavage not prominent..(Can not be scratchedby quartz.)


6 to 7 Black to Dark-brown, may

also be Yellowish-grey,more rarely Red, White or

Colorless

adamantine to metallic in

crystals, greasy on fracturesurfaces, may be earthy or

submetallic in botryoids,concretions, and massiveforms

CASSITERITE(Rutile Group)SnO2

Tetragonal usually massive as bo

usually short prismat("knees," stubby five

6 to 7 Grey to Bluish-grey, Brownto Honey-brown or Yellow

to Golden-brown, morerarely Green or Violet

vitreous to sub-vitreous FERRO-AXINITE MANGANAXINITECa2FeAl2BSi4O15(OH) Ca2MnAl2BSi4O15(OH)

Triclinic usually as thin wedgerosettes

6 to 7 Pale-yellow to Olive-greento Olive-brown, Black

vitreous to sub-vitreous(forsterite) or submetallicto dull (fayalite

FAYALITE FORSTERITE(Olivine Group)Fe2(SiO4) Mg2(SiO4)

Orthorhombic usually as crystalline
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6 to 7 Color: Colorless to White,more rarely Pale-yellow,Pale-pink or Pale-brown

vitreous BERTRANDITEBe4Si2O7(OH)2

Orthorhombic usually as tiny to mic

7 Colorless, Milky, Smoky-grey to Black, Amethyst,

Rose, Yellow to Brownish-yellow, may be tinted othershades by inclusions

vitreous QUARTZ(Crystalline)SiO2

Trigonal usually in pyramidalymassive, "rock crysta

large, "citrine" usuallsmall to micro-scale


7 Colorless, Milky, Grey toBlack, Red, Yellow toBrownish-yellow, Brown,

Green, Blue, may be tintedother shades by inclusions

vitreous to waxy to dull QUARTZ(Crypto- and Non-crystalline)SiO2

Trigonal "Chalcedony" as crypmasses, un-banded orred, "chrysoprase" is

green with small red jsub-variety agate" in

patterned masses withwaxy to vitreous lustlayers instead of conc

black layers).


7 Colorless, Milky-white,Pale-grey, Yellowish, and

Brownish

vitreous CRISTOBALITESiO2

Tetragonal(pseudo

Isometric)

usually as micro-sphecrystals very rare, usu

7 Colorless, Milky-white vitreous TRIDYMITESiO2

Orthorhombic &Hexagonal

usually as thin to thic

7 to 7 Black to Bluish-black orBrownish-black orGreenish-black

vitreous to sub-vitreous,may appear somewhat oilyon fracture surfaces

SCHORL UVITE(Tourmaline Group)

NaFe3Al6 (BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4 (Ca,Na)

(Mg,Fe)3Al5Mg(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH,F)4

Trigonal schorl usual ly in stoutriangular cross-sectisometimes appearing

identical habits, both


7 to 7 Black to Brownish-black or

Brown


may appear oily onfracture surfaces

DRAVITE(Tourmaline Group)

NaMg3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4

Trigonal usually as stout prism

termination at one en

7 to 7 Dark Emerald-green toGreenish-black to Black

vitreous, may appear oilyon fracture surfaces

CHROMEDRAVITE(Tourmaline Group)

NaMg3(Cr,Fe)6 (BO3)3 (Si6O18)(OH)4

Trigonal usually as small to tin

7 to 7 Light- to Medium-green,Pink to Red, Light- toMedium-blue to Dark-Blue,

more rarely Light-brown toYellow, Colorless

vitreous to oily ELBAITE(Tourmaline Group)

Na(Li,Al)3Al6 (BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4

Trigonal usual ly in slender pricross-section, often a

pyramidal or pedial, o


7 to7 Deep-green to "Rusty"-green

vitreous UVAROVITE(Garnet Group)Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3

Isometric usual ly as small to tin

7 to7 Pink to Red, Brownish-orange to Orange,Cinnamon, Yellow to

Yellow-green, Pale-green toGrass-green to Emerald-

vitreous GROSSULAR (Garnet Group)Ca3Al2(SiO4)3

Isometric usual ly as small dode


25/26

green, Colorless

7 to7 Brown, Brownish-red toBrownish-yellow, Yellow toYellow-green, Greyish-

green to Medium- or Deep-green, Black

vitreous ANDRADITE(Garnet Group)Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3

Isometric usual ly as small to m


7 to 7 Black to Brownish-black vitreous SCHORLOMITE(Garnet Group)Ca3Ti2(Fe2Si)O12

Isometric usual ly as small dode

7 to 7 Dark-red to Violet Red ordeep Rose-Red, also

Reddish-orange

vitreous PYROPE(Garnet Group)Mg3Al2(SiO4)3

Isometric usual ly as small to tin

7 to 7 Brown to Brownish-red toRed, Violet-red orOrangish-red

vitreous ALMANDINE(Garnet Group)Fe3Al2(SiO4)3

Isometric usual ly as dodecahed


7 to 7 Orangish-red to Reddish-orange, Rose-red to Ruby-red or Hyacinth-red,

Reddish-brown, Pale-yellow

vitreous SPESSARTINE(Garnet Group)Mn3Al2(SiO4)3

Isometric usual ly as medium to

7 to 7 Medium- to Dark-brown,

Reddish-brown


may also be dull

STAUROLITE(Fe,Mg,Zn)2Al9(Si,Al)4O22(OH)2

Monoclinic

pseudo.Orthorhombic

usually as either shor

("fairy crosses"), with

7 to 7 Greyish-blue to Blue, Grey,Greenish-blue, Violet

vitreous to oily CORDIERITE(Beryl Group?)(Mg,Fe)2Al3[AlSi5O18]

. H2O

Orthorhombic usually granular or mprismatic

7 Reddish-brown to Pale-Pink

to Deep-pink/Flesh-colored,White to Grey to Bluish-grey to Blue, Olive-green,

Green, Violet, Yellow


may be dull

ANDALUSITEAl2SiO5

Orthorhombic usually as prismatic c

tapered in both directon the cross section d


7 Brown, White, Yellow,Orange, Green, Blue

adamantine, oily onfracture surfaces

ZIRCONZrSiO4

Tetragonal usually as small tetrabe bipyramidal witho

7 to 8 Pale-blue to Pale-green(gem: "aquamarine")Yellow to Golden-yellow(gem: "heliodore"),Pink to light-red (gem:

"morganite"),White to Tan,Emerald-green (gem:

"emerald")Colorless

vitreous BERYLBe3Al2Si6O18

Hexagonal usually as stout prism


7 to 8 White to colorless vitreous PHENAKITEBe2SiO4

Trigonal usually massive, gran

as prismatic crystals

7 to 8 Dark-green to Greenish-

black, more rarely Dark-yellow to Pale-Yellow


may be dull

GAHNITE(Spinel Group)ZnAl2O4

Isometric usual ly massive, gran

sharp

7 to 8 Red, Black, Brown, Blue,Green

vitreous to sub-vitreous SPINELMgAl2O4

Isometric usual ly massive, gran

8 Yellow to Emerald-green vitreous CHRYSOBERYLBeAl2O4

Orthorhombic usually as tabular or shapes, may also be c


26/26

9 Dark-grey to Light-grey toBlue-grey to Blue(sapphire), Red (ruby), and

Yellow, Brown and Greenin sapphire

vitreous to sub-vitreousand dull

CORUNDUMAl2O3

Trigonal usual ly massive, granhexagonal crystals

Notes:

The Tourmaline Group species can be difficult to tell apart without specific locality data. The overlap ofcolor 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 andmineral 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

[Table of Contents] [Introduction ] [ Identification Kit] [Mineral Properties ] [Environments & Associations] [In Conclusion ] [The Mineral ID Key]

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