handy hardness tests

[kawman]

very simple and easy to remember identification tool http://www.rocksandminerals.com/hardness/mohs.htm

 

[The Green Wanderer]

Noticing that there are a few identity questions on here lately,
the next step from hardness if you end up with more than one possible mineral is to have a scratch test. Rub the a protruding edge of the specimen against the back of a bathroom tile or any other piece of unglazed white ceramic and observe the colour left behind.
The specific colour streak from any mineral can be found online.
Note: use only the back of the tile as a glazed surface will not show the streak well.

 

[kawman]

I found the tools that are mentioned in the post that are needed are a copper coin, fingernail and a penknife or other steel object. most people have these things always at hand out in the field to use at a moments notice... Your way is very good at home and more accurate.. I will check it out.

Noticing that there are a few identity questions on here lately,
the next step from hardness if you end up with more than one possible mineral is to have a scratch test. Rub the a protruding edge of the specimen against the back of a bathroom tile or any other piece of unglazed white ceramic and observe the colour left behind.
The specific colour streak from any mineral can be found online.
Note: use only the back of the tile as a glazed surface will not show the streak well.

 

[KarlS]

The next important test to identify minerals is specific gravity test. Unfortunately the sample has to be reasonable size to be a accurate the enough, using digital scale and container of water.
Karl

 

[Heatho]

Doing a scratch test with small stones is nearly impossible, I've tried numerous times and always give up.