Many collectors, especially greenhorns, have asked if there is an easy, quick way to identify minerals they collect.
NO.
Seriously, identification of mineral species can be challenging, time consuming, frustrating, embarassing, and infuriating. But, it's the part of the hobby that can be the most rewarding and satisfying.
For someone just starting out in the hobby, or an amateur with short experience, we have posted these simple solutions to make your identification process just a bit less painful.
1. Buy a mineral book. Not a kid's book, but a serious mineral identification guide. A couple examples of the best are- The Smithsonian Institute's Handbook of Rocks and Minerals by Chris Pellant (DK Books $20), or what we consider the BEST of the best for identifications: The National Audobon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals of North America by Alfred Knopf (Random House $19.95)-This book is exceptional because it is the only book that sorts minerals by color, then crystal type. And, it repeats minerals that are found in multiple colors, showing examples of each. Most helpful.
2. Use the internet. Use sites like MinDat to help identify specimens. Can be confusing and time consuming. Also check out mineral auctions. Sometimes you might happen to see a mineral similar to yours on auction.
3. Ask another collector. Most mineral collectors I have personally met are very willing to share information and to aid in identifying a find. But, yes, there may be a time that even a serious collector won't know, but it won't hurt to try.
4. Ask your field trip leader. HOWEVER, the leader can quite often become very overwhelmed and frustrated, especially if you're with a large group, so if you see others hounding him, ease off and try another method.
5. Ask a dealer. Again, won't hurt to try, but, sepecially at shows, they may be too busy to answer questions from rookies. Believe me, I have learned that one from experience! But for the most part, if a dealer has a few spare minutes, they will usually try to help you.
6. Go to mineral shows. We recommend this method. Bring a pad and pencil. Write down names and similar looking specimens that look like what you have. Or, take pics on your phone or digital camera, bring it with you, and compare, writing down similarities and mineral names. Again, it is a starting point from which you can work to get a better idea of what exactly you have.
Many times, you can not get an exact identification without chemical tests of microscopic analysis. Leave that to the experts. Sometimes a best guess will suffice for your personal collection.
Once you have identified the piece, make out a specimen card.
Here are the essentials needed to put on each card to properly identify each peice in your collection.
1.- Mineral name (or names if more than one mineral is represented.)
2.- Location where it was collected.
3.- Date it was collected.
4.- If purchased, attach any old specimen cards that came with the piece to the back of your card and keep them together. Old mineral ID cards can increase the specimen's value!
5.- Number your specimens. It helps organize them and maked retrieval later somewhat easier.
You can buy blank specimen cards at rock and mineral shows, or you can buy blank business cards at a walmart or staples and print your own specimen cards.