Quick answers / Useful limits
CLEAR UP THE CLUES
Short answers for the moment when an observation starts turning into an assumption.
Can I identify a mineral by colour?
Usually not on colour alone. Several minerals share colours, and one mineral can have several colours. Compare independent properties and geological context. Begin with the observation sequence.
Is every crystal a gemstone?
No. Crystal describes ordered structure; gemstone is a use category. Many crystals are not used as gems, and some gem materials are not single crystals. See crystal forms and their causes.
What does Mohs hardness measure?
Relative resistance to scratching, not toughness or resistance to breaking. Mohs is an ordinal comparison, not a linear scale. A harder mineral can still be brittle or have easy cleavage.
Is streak the same as surface colour?
No. Streak is the colour of mineral powder. A harder mineral may scratch a streak plate instead of producing a useful powder mark. Testing can damage a specimen and create dust; it is not suitable for every unknown material.
Does a six-sided crystal prove quartz?
No. An outline is a clue, not proof. Compare lustre, surfaces, appropriate property evidence and context. Broken or crowded crystals can also disguise the form a mineral might otherwise develop.
Can I collect on publicly accessible land?
Not automatically. Access and removal rights differ. Check current landowner or managing authority permission and local restrictions. Plan permission and safe access before selecting equipment.
Should I wash an unknown specimen?
Do not assume water or cleaners are safe. Cleaning can dissolve material, damage surfaces or release hazardous residues. Seek material-specific advice. Never mix household chemicals or heat unknown material to “see what happens.”
Can a photograph confirm identity or value?
A photograph can support observation but normally cannot establish composition, treatment, origin or value. This site does not authenticate or value specimens. Specialist analysis may be necessary for questions beyond visible properties.
What should a specimen label include?
A unique identifier, locality, collection date, provenance, host rock, observations, tests performed and uncertainty. Preserve original labels. Keep precise sensitive locality details private where disclosure could cause damage or trespass.
Do you accept uploads or buy specimens?
No. The contact page is a text-only observation composer. It prepares text locally and offers copy and download; it does not upload, send or purchase anything. You decide whether to share the resulting text separately.