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Minerals have fixed traits you can test. This page gathers the guides that teach those tests and the minerals most collectors meet first.
Learn the properties first, then apply them to one mineral at a time.
Core properties
Start with the Mohs scale, luster and cleavage and fracture.
Hands-on tests
Try the streak test and a basic testing kit.
Common minerals
Single-mineral guides include calcite, feldspar, mica and magnetite.
Look-alikes
Learn how to tell pyrite from gold and how to spot quartz.
Minerals at a glance
| Mineral | Read this |
|---|---|
| Calcite | Calcite |
| Feldspar | Feldspar |
| Mica | Mica |
| Magnetite | Magnetite |
Testing a mineral
- Note color and luster
- Check hardness
- Run a streak test
- Look for cleavage or fracture
Keep in mind
- Surface color can mislead
- Always test a fresh surface
- Compare more than one property
- Record results for each specimen
Questions readers ask
Which test should I try first?
Start with luster and hardness. The Mohs scale guide shows how.
Are there common minerals I will see often?
Yes. See common minerals found while rockhounding.