First, you will need to determine whether it is a mineral or a rock. Use a magnifying glass to examine the specimens carefully. Does it appear homogenous or does it seem to contain a mixture of materials?
If you are sure the specimen is a mineral, you are ready to start using the mineral identification keys.
Light Colored Mineral Identification Key
Dark Colored Mineral Identification Key
The identification key begins with a simple classification of the color of the mineral into either light colored or dark colored. A mineral is defined as light colored if it is white, clesr, or any light shade of a color, such as light green, light gray, or pink. Any mineral that looks like metal is said to be dark colored. When you have determined whether the specimen you are going to identify is light or dark colored, use the appropriate key to begin identifying the mineral.
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