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Table IA: Minerals with Metallic or Submetallic Luster & Hardness of less than 2:(Will readily
leave a mark on paper.)
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
1+ Dark-red to Vermilion Rust-red HEMATITEFe2O3
Trigonal ocherous masses, g
1 to 1 Steel-grey to Iron-black
Black one perfect cleavage GRAPHITEC
Trigonal may be in smallhexagonal plates
1 to 1 Bluish-black Black to Greenish-black one perfect cleavage MOLYBDENITE MoS2 Trigonal usually in somewhhexagonal plate
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
1 to 2 Iron-black Black PYROLUSITEMnO2
Tetragonal may be splintery o
1 Lead-grey Lead-grey one perfect cleavage NAGYAGITEPb13Au2Sb3Te6S16
Orthorhombic
pseudo-tetragonal
usually platy mass
1 Steel-grey Steel-grey one perfect cleavage TETRADYMITEBi2Te2S
Trigonal usually in foliated rare
1 to 2 Silvery-white Grey SYLVANITE(Au,Ag)Te2
Monoclinic usually granular orforms on rocks, res
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
2 Grey-black to Lead-
grey
Black to Grey-black BISMUTHINITE Bi2S3 Orthorhombic in bladed crystals s
2 Grey-black Bluish-black to Silvery-
black
one perfect cleavage STIBNITESb2S3
Orthorhombic usually as bladed c
2 to 2 Grey-black to Lead-
grey
Black ACANTHITEAg2S
Isometric pseudo-cubic, usu
2 to 2 Iron-black Iron-black STEPHANITEAg5SbS4
Orthorhombic usually massive, m
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
2 to 2 Bright-red Bright-red to Deep-red one perfect CINNABAR HgS
Trigonal usually in granular
2 to 2 Brownish-red toScarlet or Vermilion
Deep Ruby-red toBright Ruby-red
PYRARGYRITE/PROUSTITEAg3(Sb,As)S3
Trigonal
2 to 2 Silvery-white Silvery-white with
decidedly reddish tones BISMUTH
Bi
Trigonal usually in laminate
reticulated, artificia
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
2 Brass-yellow to
Silvery-white
Yellowish- to Greenish-
grey CALAVERITE
AuTe2
Monoclinic usually granular, ra
2 Grey-black to Black Bluish-black to Lead-grey perfect cleavage in threedirections at 90o to each other
GALENAPbS
Isometric usually in cubic cryin granular masses
2 to 3 Black Black one imperfect cleavage POLYBASITE(Ag,Cu)16Sb2S11
Monoclinic,pseudo-hexagonal
usually massive or
Table of Contents Return to Step 2
Table IB: Minerals with Metallic or Submetallic Luster & Hardness greater than 2, but less than
5:(Will not easily mark paper, but can be scratched with a pocket knife.)
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
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1 to 2 Iron-black Black PYROLUSITEMnO2
Tetragonal
1 to 2 Silvery-white Grey SYLVANITE(Au,Ag)Te2
Monoclinic
1 to 2 Metallic-blue, tarnishes toblue-black
Black COVELLITECuS
Trigonal
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
2 Bluish-black to Silvery-black Grey-black one perfect cleavage STIBNITESb2S3
Orthorhombic
2 to 2 Deep Ruby-red to BrightRuby-red
Brownish-red to Scarletor Vermilion
PYRARGYRITE/ PROUSTITE;Ag3(Sb,As)S3
Trigonal
2 to 2 Grey-black to Lead-grey Black ACANTHITEAg2S
Isometric
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
2 Bluish-black to Lead-grey Grey-Black to Black perfect cleavage in three
directions at 90o to each other
GALENAPbS
Isometric
2 Brass-yel low to Silvery-white Yellowish to Greenish-grey CALAVERITEAuTe2 Monoclinic
2 to 3 Grey-black Black JAMESONITEPb4FeSb6S14
Monoclinic
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
2 to 3 Grey-black Grey to Black BOURNONITEPbCuSbS3
Orthorhombic
2 to 3 Steel-grey, may tarnish toblack on exposure
Grey to Black CHALCOCITECu2S
Monoclinic,pseudo-orthorhombic
2 to 3 Dark metallic Blue to Black Black DIGENITECu2S
Isometric
2 to 3 Steel-grey, tarnishes metallic
blue
Dark steel-grey STROMEYERITEAgCuS
Orthorhombic,
pseudo-hexagonal
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
2 to 3 Lead-grey Brown to brownish-grey BOULANGERITEPb5Sb4S11
Monoclinic
2 to 3 Dark-red to Vermilion Dark-red CINNABAR HgS
Trigonal
2 to 3 Copper-red on fresh surfaces,tarnishes to brown or black
Coppery-red, shiny COPPERCu
Isometric
2 to 3 Deep golden-yellow Golden-yellow, shiny GOLDAu
Isometric
2 to 3 Silvery-white,tarnishes blackSilvery-white, shiny SILVERAg
Isometric
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
3 Grey-black Black perfect and distinct cleavages atangles to one another
ENARGITECu3AsS4
Orthorhombic
3 Brownish-bronze on freshsurfaces, tarnishing to metallic
purple, iridescent ("peacockore")
Grey-black BORNITECu5FeS4
Orthorhombic,pseudo-tetrahedral
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3 to 3 Brass-yellow Black, sometimes with agreenish tinge
MILLERITENiS
Trigonal
3 to 3 Steel-grey Steel-grey one indistinct cleavage ZINKENITEPb9Sb22S42
Hexagonal
3 to 3 Tin-white Silvery-grey, shiny ANTIMONYSb
Trigonal
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System 3 to 4 Steel-grey, may tarnish dead
black upon exposure
Black (may be Brownish-
black) TETRAHEDRITE-
TENNANTITE(Cu,Fe,)12Sb4S13
Isometric
3 Tin-white, tarnishing to Dark-grey
Grey-black ARSENICAs
Trigonal
3 to 4 Brownish-bronze to Bronze-yellow
Black no cleavage but large grainsexhibit an octahedral parting
PENTLANDITE(Fe,Ni)9S8
Isometric
3 to 4 Brass-yellow, often iridescent Black CHALCOPYRITECuFeS2
Tetragonal
3 to 4 Brown to Black Brown good cleavage in one direction,poor in another direction
WURTZITEZnS
Hexagonal
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
3 to 4 Dark-brown to black,sometimes Olive-yellow orRed to Reddish-black
Dark to Light-brown:streak usually lighter thanthe color of the sample
perfect cleavage in six directionsat angles to one another,threedirections usually prominent
SPHALERITEZnS
Isometric
3 to 4 Ruby-red to Reddish-brown Brownish-red CUPRITECu2O
Isometric
3 to4 Black Green one perfect cleavage ALABANDITEMnS
Isometric
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
4 Brownish-bronze to Bronze-yellow
Grey-black PYRRHOTITEFe1-xS
Monoclinicpseudo-hexagonal
4 Steel-grey to Iron-black Black indistinct cleavage in two
directions
STANNITECu2FeSnS4
Tetragonal
4 Steel-grey to Iron-black Dark reddish-brown to
Black MANGANITE
MnO(OH)
Monoclinic,
pseudo-orthorhombic
4 to 4 White to Steel-grey Grey, shiny PLATINUMPt
Isometric
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
5 Steel-grey Black GLAUCODOT(Co,Fe)AsS
Orthorhombic
5 Yellowish or reddish-brown Pale-brown to white cleavage variable, may be goodin one direction and poor togood in another direction
MONAZITE(Ce,La,Nd)PO4
Monoclinic
5 to 5 Dark-brown to Black: color
black in ferberite brown inhuebnerite
Dark-brown to Black:
streak darkens withincreasing Mn content
one perfect cleavage FERBERITE-HUEBNERITE ("Wolframite"series)(Fe,Mn)WO4
Monoclinic
5 to5 Pale Copper-red to Pinkishsilvery-white, tarnishing to
Dark-grey or Black
Black NICKELINENiAs
Hexagonal
5 to 5 Dark brown to black Yellow-brown or Yellow-
ocher GOETHITE
(pronounced "Ger-ta-ite.")FeO(OH)
Orthorhombic
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System
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5 Dark-brown to Black, Iron-black to Brownish-black
CHROMITEFeCr2O4
(Magnesiochromite is closely
related, S.G. 4.2, Rare.Manganochromite, H. 6, is even
rarer.)
Isometric
5 to 6 Dark-brown to Steel-grey toblack
Rust-red or Indian-red HEMATITEFe2O3 Trigonal
Table of Contents Return to Step 3
Table IC: Metallic or Submetallic Luster and Hardness greater than 5:(Can not be scratched by aknife.)
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
4 to 5 Black or Dark greenish or yellowish-
brown
Pale yellowish or
brownish BETAFITE
(Ca,Na,U)2(Ti,Nb)2(OH)
Isometric massive (metamic
5 to 5 Pale Copper-red to PinkishSilvery-white, tarnishing to
Dark-grey or Black
Black NICKELINENiAs
Hexagonal usually massive, cpyramidal, often m
reticulated or arbo
5 to 5 Dark-brown to Black,color black in ferberite, brownin huebnerite
Dark-brown to
Black
one perfect cleavage FERBERITE-HUEBNERITE ("Wolframite"series)(Fe,Mn)WO4
Monoclinic usually massive, g
to bladed with ver
5 to 5 Dark-brown to black Yellow-brown or Yellow-ocher
GOETHITE(pronounced "Ger-ta-ite.")FeO(OH)
Orthorhombic usually in radiatinmammillary, or st
5 to 5 Dark-brown to Black, Dark
yellowish-brown to greenish-brown, Dark reddish-brown
Pale yellowish or
brownish MICROLITE
(Na,Ca)2Ta2O6(O,OH,F)
Isometric usually massive,granular, crystals
5 to 5 Brown to Black or Dark
yellowish-brown
Light-brown to
Yellowish-brown
PYROCHLORE(Na,Ca)2Nb2O6(OH,F).nH2O
Isometric usually massive, g
octahedral, modif
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
5 to 6 Black Black to Dark-brown
ROMANECHITEBaMnMnO16(OH)4
Orthorhombic usually massive, b
5 to 6 Black to silvery-black Black to Dark-brown
ILMENITEFeTiO3
Trigonal usual ly as platy mcrystals rare, thick
rhombohedral
5 to 6 Deep blood-red Black to Dark-
brown or Reddish-brown
perfect cleavages in two
directions
PYROPHANITEMnTiO3
Trigonal usually in fine-gra
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
5 Tin-white or Silvery-white Black one perfect cleavage COBALTITE/GERSDORFFITE(Co,Ni)AsS
Isometric usually massive, g
pyritohedral crysta
octahedral and pyr(gersdorffite)
5 Tin-white or Silvery-white Black distinct cleavages at anglesto one another, poor
cleavage at a third angle
SKUTTERUDITE/NICKEL-SKUTTERUDITE:(Co,Ni)As2-3
Isometric usually massive, ccubooctahedral
5 Black Black to Dark-brown
URANINITEUO2
Isometric usually massive
5 Brownish-black Dark-brown CHROMITEFeCr2O4
Isometric usually massive, g
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5 Pale copper-red Red-brown BREITHAUPTITENiSb
Hexagonal usually massive, c
5 to 6 Tin-white or silvery-white,tarnishing brown or bronzish
Black one distinct cleavage ARSENOPYRITEFeAsS
Monoclinic usually massive, gorthorhombic priscruciform twins or
5 to 6 Dark-brown to Steel-grey toblack
Rust-red or Indian-red
HEMATITEFe2O3
Trigonal usually massive inmicaceous aggreg
rhombohedral
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
6 Black Black MAGNETITEFe3O4
Isometric massive or in octa
6 Black Black to Dark-brown
one distinct cleavage COLUMBITE-TANTALITE(Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2O6
Orthorhombic usually massive pcrystals
6 Brownish-black Dark-brown FRANKLINITE(Fe,Zn,Mn)(Fe,Mn)2O4
Isometric usually massive, gcrystals
Hardness Color Streak Cleavage Name System Habit
6 to 6 Brass-yellow Black (may be
greenish-black) PYRITE
FeS2
Isometric massive or in stria
crystals, may be tw
6 to 6 Brass-yellow Black (may begreenish-black) MARCASITEFeS2 Orthorhombic usually massive, g"coxcomb" clusteraggregates
6 to 6 Dark-brown to Black Pale-brown RUTILETiO2
Tetragonal usually in prismatstriated, often nee
silicate crystals, p
Note: The Betafite-Microlite-Pyrochlore Group and Subgroups are complex, species can be difficult to tell
apart. S.G. and radioactivity may be indicative for some species, but are rarely definitive.
Table of Contents Return to Step 3
Table IIA: Minerals with a Nonmetallic Luster, Definitely Colored Streak, and Hardness 1 to 6:
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit
Rust-red to Indian-red 1+ to 6 Dark-brown to Steel-grey
to black HEMATITE
Fe2O3
Trigonal
Pink 1 to 2 Pale-pink to Red perfect cleavage ERYTHRITECo3(AsO4)2
.8H2OMonoclinic usually as earthy crusts or p
minerals, may be reniform
Pale-pink to Light-green
1 to 2 Apple-green , Grey, Pale-rose
at least one cleavage,perfect
ANNABERGITENi3(AsO4)2
.8H2OMonoclinic usually as coatings or crusts
appearing, crystals bladed to
Red 2 Red LITHARGEPbO
Tetragonal as alteration crusts on massi
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit
Bright-Scarlet-red or
Vermilion toBrownish-red
2 to 2 Dark Ruby-red or Bright Ruby-red
PROUSTITE/PYRARGYRITEAg3(Sb,As)S3
Trigonal
Dark-red 2 Dark-red to Vermilion one perfect cleavage CINNABAR HgS
Trigonal usually earthy or granular, cred or reddish-brown, brighttransparent when pure, cryst
tabular to short prismatic
Bright- to Deep-red 2 to 3 Orange-yellow one distinct cleavage CROCOITEPbCrO4
Monoclinic usually in prismatic crystals
sub-vitreous luster, as parallmay be hollow
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Dark-red 3 to 4 Ruby-red to Reddish-brown
CUPRITECu2O
Isometric usually in octahedral or cubislender crystals, may also be
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit
Orange-or Reddish-
yellow
1 to 2 Dark-red one good cleavage REALGAR AsS
Monoclinic usually massive, granular, c
Orange-yellow 4to 4 Yellow to
Orange-yellow to Deep-red
one
perfect cleavage
ZINCITE
(Zn,Mn)O
Hexagonal usually massive as irregular
Pale-yellow 1 to 2 Lemon-yellow one perfect cleavagegiving thin plates
ORPIMENTAs2S3
Monoclinic usually in foliated masses or
Pale-yellow 1 to 2 Bright-yellow imperfect cleavage inthree directions
SULFURS
Orthorhombic usually imperfectly crystalli
Pale-yellow 2 Sulfur-yellow MASSICOTPbO
Orthorhombic usually earthy or scaly mass
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit
Very Pale-yellow toYellowish-green
2 to 2 Lemon-yellow toGreenish-yellow
one perfect cleavageand one distinct
AUTUNITE/META-AUTUNITECa(UO2)2(PO4)2
.10-12H2O
/Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2.2-6H2O
Tetragonal/Orthorhombic
usually as micaceous or scalcrystals thin or thick tabular
Very Pale-Yellow,Yellowish-white (bothrarely seen), White
2 to 3 Orange-red to Ruby-red,Brownish-red toBrownish-yellow or pale
Straw-yellow
VANADINITE (ApatiteGroup)Pb5(VO4)3Cl
Hexagonal usually in barrel-shaped priseither long or short, may be ("endlichite"), and as hollow
Very Pale-green 2 to 2 Emerald- to Grass-green,
Apple-green, Leek-green
one perfect cleavage
and one indistinct
TORBERNITE/
METATORBERNITECu(UO2)2(PO4)2
.11H2O /Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2
.8H2O
Tetragonal usually as micaceous or scal
crystals thin to thick tabular
Light-green 3 to3
Dark to Bright Emerald-green
one perfect cleavage,a second fair cleavage
ATACAMITECu2Cl(OH)3
Orthorhombic usually in granular cleavableand usually very small to mi
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit
Light-green 3 Dark Emerald-green one perfect cleavage,one poor cleavage
ANTLERITECu3(SO4)(OH)4
Orthorhombic usually as mats of tiny acicugranular
Light-green 3 to 4 Dark Emerald-green toBright-green
BROCHANTITECu4(SO4)(OH)6
Monoclinic usually as crusts or mats of tbe stout prismatic to acicula
Light-green 3 to 4 Dark- to Bright-green one perfect cleavage MALACHITECu2(CO3)(OH)2
Monoclinic as either radiating fibrous mmammillary, or as slender tooften poorly formed (and oft
azurite), may be crusts, or ac
Pale Bluish-white to
White or Colorless
1 to 2 Deep-blue or Deep
Greenish-blue to Bluishgreen
one perfect cleavage VIVIANITEFe3(PO4)2
.8H2O
Monoclinic usually as flattened to blade
in stellate clusters or sprays,crusts, or reniform masses
Very Pale-blue toGrey or Tan
2 to 4 Pale- to Deep-blue, Blue-green, Green
CHRYSOCOLLACu2H2[Si2O5](OH)4
usually in glassy, opaline, orcrusts, often as mats of very
be botryoidal
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit
Light-blue 2 Azure-blue to Bright-blue
LINARITEPbCu(SO4)(OH)2
Monoclinic usually as clusters or spraysor tabular crystals, bladed, m
crudely formed crystals
Light-blue 3 to 4 Deep Azure-blue one perfect cleavage AZURITECu3(CO3)2(OH)2
Monoclinic usually as small stout prism
sprays or radiating spherical
Bright-blue 5 to 5 Deep-blue to Medium-
Blue and Violet-blue
one distinct cleavage LAZURITENa3Ca(Al3Si3O12)S
Isometric usually massive, compact to
dodecahedral
Very Pale-blue to
White
5 to 6 Light- to Medium-blue,
Violet-blue,Grey, or White
one poor to distinct
cleavage
SODALITENa4(Al3Si3O12)Cl
Isometric usually massive granular, cr
octahedral. Rare
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit
Brown 3 to 4 Light-tan to Dark-brown perfect cleavages in SIDERITE Trigonal usually in cleavable masses,
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three directionsproducing rhombicfragments
FeCO3 rhombohedrons, faces curve
Brown 3 to 4 Dark-brown to Black one perfect cleavage FERBERITE/HUEBNERITE
("Wolframite" series)(Fe,Mn)WO4
Monoclinic usually massive, granular, crwith vertical striations
Light-brown 3 to 4 Dark to Light-brown,Olive-brown, Reddish
brown, Reddish-black
perfect cleavage in sixdirections
SPHALERITEZnS Isometric usually in cleavable masses,wedge-shaped
Streak Hardness Color Cleavage Name System Habit
Yellow-brown toOcher-yellow
5 to 5 Dark-brown to Black one perfect cleavage GOETHITE (pronounced"Ger-ta-ite"FeO(OH)
Orthorhombic usually in reniform or radiatbotryoidal or mammillary, a
Light-brown 6 to 6 Reddish-brown to Black one distinct cleavage RUTILETiO2
Tetragonal usually in slender prismatic striated faces, as "elbow twin
"sixlings"
Brown to Black 6 to 7 Light-brown to greyish or white
one imperfectcleavage
CASSITERITESnO2
Tetragonal usually as fibrous, reniformstream-worn nuggets, with acrystals usually twined, with
adamantine luster
Table of Contents Return to Step 4
Table IIB-1: Streak not colored, Cleavage Prominent, Hardness less than 2:(Can be scratched with
a fingernail, Streak: white or none.)
Cleavage Hardness Luster Color Name System H
imperfect in four directions(octahedral)
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Perfect in one direction 2 waxy luster. White to Grey,darker when impure, may beGreenish
PYROPHYLLITE:Al2Si4O10(OH)2
Monoclinic us
Perfect in one direction, good intwo directions(prismatic)
2 sub-vitreous to pearly (oncleavage faces) to silky or
dull
Colorless to White or Grey(may be stainedother colors by impurities)
GYPSUMCaSO4
.2H2OMonoclinic m
fib
tw
Cleavage Hardness Luster Color Name System H
Perfect in three directions(cubic)
2 vitreous to sub-vitreous Colorlessto White (may be stained by
impurities)
HALITE(Common Salt)
NaCl
Isometric us
Perfect in three directions
(cubic)
2 vitreous to sub-vitreous Colorless to White (may be
stained by impurities)
SYLVITE(Potassium Salt)KCl
Isometric us
Perfect in one direction 2 to 2 pearly on cleavagesurfaces
White, may be Pale-green or Pale-yellow
MUSCOVITE(MicaGroup)Kal2(Si3Al)O10 (OH,F)2
Monoclinic,pseudo-hexagonal
usthhe
Cleavage Hardness Luster Color Name System H
Perfect in one direction 2 to 2 pearly on cleavage surfaces White to Greenish-
white or Yellowish-brown
PHLOGOPITE
(Mica Group):KMg3(Si3Al)O10(F,OH)
Monoclinic,
pseudo-hexagonal
us
sh
Perfect in one direction 2 to 2 pearly on cleavagesurfaces
Black to Brownish-black
ANNITE("Biotite Mica Group)K(Fe,Mg)(Si3Al)O10(OH,F)2
Monoclinic,pseudo-hexagonal
usth
Perfect in one direction (rarelyseen)
2 to 2 earthy Whiteto Tan, may be Greyish
KAOLINITEAl2Si2O5(OH)4
Triclinic us
Cleavage Hardness Luster Color Name System H
Perfect in three directions
(cubic)
2 to 2 vitreous Bright-redto Pale-rose, white streak
VILLIAUNITENaF
Isometric us
by
Perfect in one direction 2 pearly on cleavage surfaces White, Grey, or Greenish-
white
BRUCITEMg(OH)2
Trigonal us
m
Perfect in one direction 2 sub-vitreous to waxy, may be
dull
White to Colorless,Greyish, to Yellowish orTannish
COOKEITE(Chlorite Group):LiAl4(Si3Al)O10(OH)8
Monoclinic us
robo
Table of Contents Return to Step 6
Table IIB-2: Streak NotColored, Cleavage Not Prominent, Hardness less than 2:(Can be scratched
with a fingernail; Streak: white or none; Cleavage absent or not obvious.)
Hardness Color Luster Cleavage Name System Habit
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massive or as crusts
2 Colorless to White or Grey
vitreous to sub-vitreous Perfect in one direction, imperfect in one
direction, good in one direction(prismatic), may not be apparent
NITER (Saltpeter) KNO3
Orthorhombic usuall
massidelica
2 to 2 White to Tan, may beGreyish
earthy luster Perfect in one direction, may not be seen KAOLINITEAl2Si2O5(OH)4
Triclinic usuall
Hardness Color Luster Cleavage Name System Habit
2 to 2 Bright-red to Pale-rose
vitreous to sub-vitreous Perfect in three directions (cubic), maynot be seen
VILLIAUNITE:NaF
Isometric usuallmodif(small
2 White toColorless, Greyish, to
Yellowish or Tannish
vitreous to waxy luster, maybe dull.
Perfect in one direction, may not be seen COOKEITE(Chlorite Group):
LiAl4(Si3Al)O10(OH)8
Monoclinic usuallin tiny
somewscales
Note: There are very few common to rare non-metallic species less than 2 in hardness which do not have
at least one good cleavage. Any sample that keys out to this point and is not one of the above listed
minerals needs to be re-examined. It probably either has a prominent cleavage or is harder than 2. Or it is
a very rare to extremely rare species not covered here.
Table of Contents Return to Step 6
Table IIC-1: Streak not colored, Cleavage prominent, Hardness 2 to 3:(Can not be scratched by a
fingernail, can be scratched by a copper penny, streak white or one.)
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
Perfect in onedirection (basal)
2 to 4 Lilac, Lavender,Greyish-to Greenish-white
pearly luster oncleavage surfaces
LEPIDOLITE(Mica Group)K(Li,Al)3(Si,Al)4O10(F,OH)2
Monoclinic,pseudo-hexagonal
usually as aggregates distorted hexagonal sh
Perfect in one
direction (basal)
3 to 5 Deep to pale Lilac,
Grey toWhite
pearly on cleavage
surfaces
MARGARITE(Mica Group)CaAl2(Al2Si2)O10(OH)2
Monoclinic usually as flaky aggre
amphibolite schist
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
Perfect in three
directions (cubic)
2 Colorless to White
(maybe stained by
impurities)
vitreous to sub-
vitreous
HALITE(Common Salt)
NaCl
Isometric usually as granular cr
Perfect in three
directions (cubic)
2 Colorless to White
(maybe stained byimpurities)
vitreous to sub-
vitreous luster
SYLVITE(Potassium Salt)KCl
Isometric usually as granular cr
Distinct in onedirection
(prismatic), good ina second direction(basal) and fair to
poor in a thirddirection (rhombic
overall)
2 to 3 Colorless or Whiteto Greyish-white or
Greyish-brown
adamantine to sub-adamantine, may be
vitreous to resinous
on some surfaces
ANGLESITEPbSO4
Orthorhombic usually in crystalline mprismatic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
Perfect in threedirections, corners
120o or 60o
(rhombic)
3; but may be 2 acrossthe top surface of
prismatic crystals witha flat termination
usually Clear orWhite to Tan or
Grey, but may betinted many colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous
CALCITECaCO3
Trigonal may be in cleavable mmarble),scalenohedral
rhombohedralrelated shapes
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make this one
crystal form a
forms it takes
this species to
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
Perfect in two
directions(prismatic) and fairin a third
3 Colorless, White, or
Grey (may bestained other colors)
vitreous to sub-
vitreous
KERNITE:
Na2B4O6(OH)2.3H2O
Monoclinic usually incleavable c
imperfect in onedirection (basal),
distinct in anotherdirection(rhombic), may not
be seen
3 to 3 Colorless to Whiteor Greyish-white,
maybe tinted othercolors
vitreous to sub-vitreous
WITHERITE (AragoniteGroup)BaCO3
Orthorhombic,pseudo-hexagonal
usually as stout prismterminations on both e
and granular
Perfect in twodirections, imperfectto good in a third
(rhombic)
3 to 3 Colorless to Whiteor Greyish-white,may be tinted other
colors
vitreous and/orpearly
ANHYDRITECaSO4
Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crycleavage, or in granulusually equant or thic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
Distinct in onedirection
(prismatic), good ina second direction(basal) and fair to
poor in a thirddirection (rhombic
overall)
3to 3 Colorless to Whiteor Greyish-white,
may be tinted othercolors
vitreous, pearly onbasal cleavagesurfaces
BARITEBaSO4
Orthorhombic usually in clusters oraggregates of platy to
Distinct in one
direction(prismatic), good ina second direction(basal) and fair to
poor in a thirddirection (rhombic
overall)
3 to 3 Colorless to White
or Greyish-white,Blue, may be tintedother colors
vitreous, pearly on
basal cleavagesurfaces
CELESTITE (Celestine)SrSO4
Orthorhombic usually in clusters or a
Note: The above three members of the Barite Group are most easily told apart by their S.G.s Anglesite is
noticeably heavier than the other two, barite may feel heavier than celestite.
Table of Contents Return to Step 8
Table IIC-2a: Nonmetallic Luster; Streak Not Colored; Hardness 2 to 3; Cleavage Not Prominent;
Splinter Will Fuse in a Candle Flame.
Fusibility Color Hardness Luster Name System Habit
swells and fuses to
a glassyglobule in a candleflame
Usually Snow-white;Colorless to
White or Greyish-white, may betinted other colors
2 to 2 vitreous to resinous BORAX:
Na2B4O5(OH)4.
8H2O
Monoclinic usually
shortprisma
Small splintersfusible in a candle
flame
Colorless to White, may be tintedother colors
2 vitreous to greasy, has an unusual greasytranslucence
CRYOLITE: Na3AlF6 monoclinic usuallycrystal
usually
Small splinters
fusible in a candleflame
Colorless to White or Greyish-
White, may be tinted other colors
3 to 3 adamantine to vitreous, may be resinous
on cleavage surfaces, may also appearsubmetallic when dark colored
CERUSSITE (Aragonite
Group)PbCO3
orthorhombic usually
usuallybe pris
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Table of Contents Return to Step 9
Table IIC-2b: Nonmetallic Luster; Streak Not Colored; Hardness 2 to 3; Cleavage Not Prominent;
Infusible in a Candle Flame.
Color Hardness Luster Name System Habit
White to Tan, may be
Greyish
2 to 2 earthy KAOLINITEAl2Si2O5(OH)4
Triclinic usually as compact earthy masses
Colorless to White or
Greyish-white, may betinted other colors
3 to 3 vitreous and/or
pearly
ANHYDRITECaSO4
Orthorhombic usually in coarsely crystalline mas
cleavage, or in granular masses wicrystals rare and usually equant or
Colorless to White orGreyish-white, may be
tinted other colors
3 to 3 vitreous to sub-vitreous
WITHERITE(Aragonite Group):
BaCO3
Orthorhombic,pseudo-hexagonal
usually as stout prismatic twinned cross section, often with pyramida
more rarely as globular to botryoidaggregates, and granular
Colorless to White or Grey,may be tinted other colors
3 to 4 vitreous to sub-vitreous, silkywhen fibrous
STRONTIANITE(Aragonite Group)SrCO3
Orthorhombic usually in granular or fibrous aggrcrystalsshort prismatic to acicularcross- section (Ca-rich)
Shades of Green, olive,apple, dark to blackish, oftenmottled
2 to 4; rarely 5 to6 in dense massivematerial
sub-vitreous togreasy luster, feelsgreasy
ANTIGORITE/LIZARDITE/AMESITE(Serpentine Group)Generally(Mg,Al)3(Si,Al)2O5(OH)4
Monoclinic,Orthorhombic andTriclinic
usually incrystalline masses, often
White to Grey, Pale-green toOlive-green, Golden-yellowto Brown
2 to 3 silky CLINOCHRYSOTILE/ORHTOCRYSOTILE/PARACHRYSOTILE
(Serpentine Group):Mg3Si2O5(OH)4
Monoclinic &Orthorhombic
usually in fine fibrous aggregates,fibers often very long and "weavea
Orange-red to Ruby-red,
Brownish-red to Brownish-yellow or paleStraw-yellow
2 to 3 luster sub-vitreous
to sub-resinous
VANADINITE(Apatite Group): Pb5(VO4)3Cl
Hexagonal usual ly in barrel- shaped prismatic
long or short, may be acicular in cland as hollow prisms - "hopper" cr
Dark-green to Yellow-green,
Yellow to Orange-Yellow,Brown, White, evenColorless
3 sub-vitreous to
resinous
PYROMORPHITE (Apatite
Group):Pb5(PO4)3Cl
Hexagonal usual ly in barrel- shaped, prismatic
also be spindle- shaped, hollow "tabular or pyramidal, crystals may structural zones due to zoned varia
Pale-yellow to Yellowish-brown, Orange-yellow to
Orange-red, Whiteto Colorless
3 to 4 luster sub-vitreousto resinous
MIMETITE(Apatite Group):Pb5(AsO4)3Cl
Hexagonal usual ly in simple barrel-shaped prior acicular, may be botryoidal or g
Green to Yellow, Greenish-white, Yellowish-Brown to
Brown, rarely other hues
3 to 4 vitreous to pearly, sometimes
resinous
WAVELLITE:Al3(PO4)2(OH,F)3.5H2O
Orthorhombic usually in radiating fibrous aggregcrusts, may be stalactic
Note: The above three members of the Apatite Group are difficult to tell apart when they have the color(s)
of vanadinite, though usually the colors in vanadinite are deeper, more intense, than the other two.
Vanadinite has lower S.G. than the other two as well.
Table of Contents Return to Step 9
Table IID-1: Nonmetallic Luster, Hardness Greater Than 3 but Less Than 5, and Prominent
Cleavage:(Can not be scratched by a copper penny, can be scratched by a knife, streak white or none.)
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Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
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imperfect in one direction(basal), may be distinct inanother direction
(rhombic)but usually notseen
3 to 3 Colorless to White or Greyish-white, may betinted other colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous
WITHERITE(Aragonite Group)BaCO3
Orthorhombic,pseudo- hexagonal
Distinct in one direction(prismatic)
3 to 4 Colorless to White or Grey, may be tintedother colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous or resinous
ARAGONITE(Aragonite Group)CaCO3
Orthorhombic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Perfect cleavage in one
direction (prismatic)
3 to 4 Colorless to White, may
be Yellow, Brown, andother colors
vitreous, pearly on
cleavage surfaces
STILBITE-(Ca)(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,Na,K)9[Al9Si27O72].28H2O
Monoclinic
Perfect cleavage in onedirection (prismatic)
3 to 4 Colorless to White, maybe Grey, Yellow, Pink,
and other colors
vitreous, pearly oncleavage surfaces
HEULANDITE-(Ca)(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,Na,K)9[Al9Si27O72]
.~24H2O
Monoclinic
Perfect cleavage in one
direction (prismatic)
3 to 4 Colorless to White vitreous, pearly on
cleavage surfaces
CLINOPTILOLTE-(Ca)(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,Na,K)6[Al6Si30O72]
.~20H2O
Monoclinic
Perfect cleavage in onedirection (prismatic)
4 Colorless to White, maybe Pink or Brown
vitreous to sub-vitreous
STELLERITE(Zeolite Group)Ca[Al2Si7O18]
.
7H2O
Orthorhombic
Perfect in one direction(prismatic), may have a poor
(pinacoidal) cleavage inanother direction
4 to 5 Colorless to White, Pale-pink, Pale-yellow to
Pale-brown
vitreous, pearly onsome cleavage
surfaces
BREWSTERITE-Sr/BREWSTERITE-Ba(Sr,Ba)2[Al4Si12O32]
.10H2O (Ba,Sr)2[Al4Si12O32].10H2O
Monoclinic &Triclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Perfect cleavage in one
direction (prismatic)
5 to 5 Pale-pink, Colorless to
White, may be Grey orother colors
usually vitreous to
silky in finer acicularaggregates, but may be
dull or even greasy
NATROLITE(Zeolite Group)
Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O
Orthorhombic
Poor in one direction, may
not be seen
5 to 5 Colorless to White, may
be Yellow, Pink, or othercolors
vitreous ANALCIME(Zeolite Group)
Na[AlSi2O6].H2O
Polymorphous
(Iso., Tet., Orth.,Mon., Tric., Trig.)
Perfect in one direction (mayhave a distinct cleavage in a
second direction)
4 to 4 Colorless to white or Grey, may be tinted
other colors
vitreous to sub-adamantine
COLEMANITECa2B6O11
.5H2OMonoclinic
Perfect in one direction (mayhave an imperfect cleavage in
a second direction)
4 to 5 Colorless to White or Grey, Pale-green, may
also be other tints
vitreous to sub-vitreous, pearly on
cleavage surfaces
FLUORAPOPHYLLITE-HYDROXYLAPOPHYLLITEKCa4Si8O20F
.8H2O -KCa4Si8O20(OH).8H2O
Tetragonal
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Perfect in one direction ( may
have a good cleavage inanother direction)
4 to 5 parallel
to the length ofthe crystal, 7 to
7 across thecrystal
Blue most common, also
Green, may be Grey,even Black, due to
inclusions
vitreous to subvitreous KYANITEAl2SiO5
Triclinic
Two DirectionsPerfect in one direction(prismatic), good in another
direction (prismatic)
3 to 4 Colorless to White or Grey, may be tintedother colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous, silky whenfibrous
STRONTIANITE(Aragonite Group)SrCO3
Orthorhombic
Two DirectionsPerfect in one direction,imperfect in a second (both
prismatic)
4 Bluish-grey to Greenish-
Grey (triphylite), whiteto greyish-white streak,Clove-brown to
Yellowish-brown,Salmon (lithiophilite)
vitreous to sub-
vitreous, may be dullin granular massivematerial
TRIPHYLITE-LITHIOPHILITELiFePO4 LiMnPO4
Orthorhombic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two Directions: perfect inone direction (prismatic),good in a second direction
4 to 5 Colorless to White, maybe Pale-yellow, Pale-green, Sky-blue, Pale-
vitreous, pearly onsome cleavagesurfaces
HEMIMORPHITEZn4Si2O7(OH)2
.H2OOrthorhombic
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(cleavages rarely seen) brown
Two Directions: perfect in
both directions (prismatic &pinacoidal)
4 to 5 White, Pale-pink, Pale-
tan, Pale-blue
vitreous to silky in
fibrous material
PECTOLITE(Wollastonite Group)
NaCa2Si3O8(OH)
Triclinic
Two Directions: perfect inone direction (prismatic),good in a second
(pinacoidal), may exhibit apoor to good third cleavage(rarely seen)
4 to 5 White to Greyish-white,may also be Pale-green
vitreous luster tosomewhat pearly infibrous material
WOLLASTONITE-1A(Wollastonite Group)CaSiO3
Triclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two Directions: perfect intwo directions (prismatic &
pinacoidal)
4 to 5 Orange to Pinkish-orange to Rose
vitreous, pearly oncleavage surfaces
SERANDITE(Wollastonite Group)
Na(Mn,Ca)2Si3O8(OH)
Triclinic
Two Directions: perfect inone direction, imperfect in a
second direction (bothprismatic)
5 to 5 Yellowish-brown toGreenish-brown
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be
somewhat resinous oroily
TITANITE ("SPHENE")CaTiSiO5
Monoclinic
Two Directions: perfect inboth directions at nearly 90o
to one another (prismatic)
5 to 6 Pink to Rose-red,Brownish-red, usually
coated with blackmanganese oxides
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be
somewhat pearly oncleavage surfaces
RHODONITE(Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca)SiO3
Triclinic
Two Directions: perfect intwo directions
5 to 6 Dark Greenish- black toBlack
vitreous, splendant. BABINGTONITECa2(Fe,Mn)FeSi5O14(OH)
Triclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two Directions: perfect in
both directions (prismaticand pinacoidal)
4 to 4 Colorless to White, may
be Pink to Orange-red
silky to vitreous DACHIARDITE-Ca(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,K,Na)4-5[Al4-5Si20-19O48].~13H2O
Monoclinic
Two Directions: distinct inone direction, indistinct in
another (both prismatic)
4 to 4 Colorless to White, maybe Pink to Red, Yellow
vitreous PHILLIPSITE-Ca(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,K,Na,Ba0.5)4-7[Al4-7,Si12-9O32].12H2O
Monoclinic
Two Directions: good in onedirection, fair in another
(both prismatic), faircleavage may not be seen
4 to 5 Colorless to White or Greyish-white, may be
tinted other colors
vitreous HARMOTOME(Zeolite Group)(Ba0.5,Ca0.5,K,Na)5[Al5Si11O32].12H2O
Monoclinic
Two Directions:perfect in one direction(prismatic), poor in another,
(pinacoidal), second may notbe seen
4 to 5 Colorless to White, Pale-pink, Pale-yellow toPale-brown
vitreous, pearly onsome cleavagesurfaces
BREWSTERITE-Sr/BREWSTERITE-Ba(Sr,Ba)2[Al4Si12O32]
.10H2O -
(Ba,Sr)2[Al4Si12O32].10H2O
Monoclinic &Triclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two Directions: perfect in
both directions (bothprismatic)
5 Colorless to White, may
be Pink to Red,Yellowish or Green
silky when fibrous,
vitreous when acicular
MESOLITE(ZeoliteGroup)Na16Ca16[Al48Si72O240].64H2O
Orthorhombic
Two Directions:perfect in both directions(both prismatic)
5 to 5 Colorless to White, Pink
to Red or Salmon, Green
vitreous, silky in
fibrous material
SCOLECITE(Zeolite Group)Ca[Al2Si3O10]
.3 H2O
Monoclinic
Two Directions:perfect in one direction(prismatic), good to distinct
in a second direction(actually a parting, butdistinct prismatic)
5 to 5 Colorless to White, Pale-
pink to Pale-red, may beother colors
vitreous, silky in more
fibrous aggregates,more rarely greasy or
dull
NATROLITE(Zeolite Group)Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O
Orthorhombic
Two Directionsperfect in one direction, good
in another (both prismatic),may not be seen
5 to 5 Colorless to White, maybe tinted other colors,
white streak
vitreous to pearly THOMSONITE(Zeolite Group)Ca2Na[Al5Si5O20]
. 6H2O
Orthorhombic
Two Directions at ~56o and~124o , prismatic
5 to 6 Grey to Lavender-blue or Pale-blue
vitreous, silky inasbestiform varieties
GLAUCOPHANE -FERROGLAUCOPHANE
Monoclinic
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Amphibole Group; good toperfect in both directions
Na2(Mg3Al2)Si8O22(OH)2 - Na2(Fe3Al2)Si8O22(OH)2
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two Directions at ~56o and
~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; good to
perfect in both directions
5 to 6 Light-blue to Blue-black vitreous, silky in
asbestiform varieties
MAGNESIORIEBECKITE -RIEBECKITE
Na2(Mg3Fe2)Si8O22(OH)2 -Na2(Fe3Fe2)Si8O22(OH)2
Monoclinic
Two Directions at ~56o and~124o , prismatic
Amphibole Group;perfect inboth directions
5 to 6 White to Light-Green toDark-green
vitreous, silky inasbestiform varieties
TREMOLITE-ACTINOLITECa2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2 Ca2(Fe,Mg)5Si8O22(OH)2
Monoclinic
Two Directions at ~56o and~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; good to
perfect in both directions
5 to 6 Brown to Greenish-brown to Green orGreyish-green
vitreous, silky infibrous varieties
CUMMINGTONITE -GRUNERITEMg7Si8O22(OH)2Fe7Si8O22(OH)2
Monoclinic
Cleavage Habit Color Luster Name System
Two Directions at ~56o and
~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; perfect inone direction, imperfect in
the second
5 to 6 White to Grey or Pale-
green to Clove-brown orDark-brown
vitreous, silky in
asbestiform varieties
ANTHOPHYLLITE -FERROANTHOPHYLLITEMg7Si8O22(OH)2 Fe7Si8O22(OH)2
Orthorhombic
Two Directions at ~56o and
~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; perfect inone direction, imperfect in
the other
5 to 6 Pale Greenish-grey to
Greenish-brown andBrown
vitreous, silky when
fibrous
GEDRITE-FERROGEDRITEMg5Al2[Si6Al2O22](OH)2 Fe5Al2[Si6Al2O22] (OH)2
Orthorhombic
Two Directions at ~56o and
~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; perfect in
both directions
5 to 6 Black to Greenish-black
or Dark-green
vitreous MAGNESIOHORNBLENDE -FERROHORNBLENDECa2[Mg4(Al,Fe)]Si7AlO22(OH)2 -
Ca2[Fe4(Al,Fe)]Si7AlO22(OH)2
Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two Directions at ~56o and~124o , prismatic Amphibole Group; perfect in
both directions
5 to 6 Pale-green to Dark-green, Greyish-brown toBrown, Yellow-brown to
Reddish-brown or Rose-
red
vitreous, silky inasbestiform varieties
RICHTERITE -FERRORICHTERITE
Na(Ca,Na) Mg5Si8O22(OH)2-Na(Ca,Na)Fe5Si8O22(OH)2
Monoclinic
Two directions at nearly 90o,prismatic Pyroxene Group.good to perfect in both
directions
5 to 6 Pale-to Medium-green,Pale-yellow to lightYellowish-brown, Pale-
bronze ("bronzite")
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be sub-metallic in the
"bronzite" and"hypersthene" varieties
ENSTATITE/CLINOENSTATITEMg2Si2O6
Orthorhombic &Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two directions at nearly 90o,prismatic Pyroxene Group.good in both directions
5 to 6 Greenish-brown or Brown to nearly Black
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull,may be pearly to sub-
metallic on cleavagesurfaces
FERROSILITE/CLINOFERROSILITE(Fe,Mg)2Si2O6
Orthorhombic &Monoclinic
Two directions at nearly 90o,prismatic Pyroxene Group:good to perfect in both
directions
5 to 6 Pale- to Dark-green, maybe White or Greenish-white to Greyish-white
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull
DIOPSIDECaMgSi2O6
Monoclinic
Two directions at nearly 90o,
prismatic Pyroxene Group:good in both directions
5 to 6 Pale- to Dark-green,
Brownish-green toBrownish- or Greenish-
black
vitreous to sub-
vitreous, may be dull
HEDENBERGITECaFe Si2O6
Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two directions at nearly 90o, 5 to 6 Greenish-black to Black, v itreous to sub- AUGITE Monoclinic
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prismatic Pyroxene Group:good in both directions
Light- to Dark-brown vitreous, may be dull (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6
Two directions at nearly 90o,prismatic Pyroxene Group:good to perfect in both
directions
5 to 6 Dark-green or Reddish-brown to Black
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull
AEGIRINE (ACMITE)NaFeSi2O6
Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral Trigonal
Carbonates: perfect in allthree directions
3, may be 2 acrossthe top surface of
prismatic crystalswith a flattermination
usually Clear or White toTan or Grey, but may be
tinted many colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous luster, may be
waxy or dull onweathered crystals,
pearly on cleavage
surfaces
CALCITECaCO3
Trigonal
Three cleavage directions,
rhombohedral TrigonalCarbonates: perfect in allthree directions
3 to 4 White to Grey, may be
tinted Yellowish toBrownish
vitreous to sub-
vitreous, may bepearly on cleavagesurfaces
MAGNESITE(Calcite Group)MgCO3
Trigonal
Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral Trigonal
Carbonates: perfect in allthree directions
3 to 4 White to Tan or Pink,Grey, Greenish, tends
towards Brown withincreasing Fe, Red with
Mn
usually vitreous tosub-vitreous, but may
be pearly
DOLOMITECaMg(CO3)2
Trigonal
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral Trigonal
Carbonates: perfect in allthree directions
3 to 4 White to Tan or Brown usually vitreous tosubvitreous, but may
be pearly
ANKERITE(Dolomite Group)Ca(Fe,Mg,Mn)(CO3)2
Trigonal
Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral Trigonal
Carbonates: perfect in allthree directions
3 to 4 White to Pale-rose vitreous to sub-vitreous, but may be
pearly
KUTNOHORITE(Dolomite Group)Ca(Mn,Mg,Fe) (CO3)2
Trigonal
Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral TrigonalCarbonates: perfect in all
three directions
3 to 4 Pink to Red, in variousshades, also more rarelyYellow-grey or Tan to
Brown
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be
pearly on cleavage
surfaces
RHODOCHROSITE(Calcite Group)MnCO3
Trigonal
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral Trigonal
Carbonates: perfect in allthree directions
4 to 4 Greyish-white to Dark-grey, Greenish- or
Brownish-white, may beGreen to Apple-green,
Blue to Blue-green,Yellow, Pink or Brown
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may look
somewhat porcelain-like
SMITHSONITE(Calcite Group)ZnCO3
Trigonal
Three cleavage directions,rhombohedral TrigonalCarbonates: perfect in all
three directions
3 to 4 Dark-brown to Tan toCream, may be Blackish-
brown due to weathering
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be oilyto resinous on
weathered, oxidizedsurfaces
SIDERITE(Calcite Group)FeCO3
Trigonal
Three cleavage directions perfect to distinct in all three
directions, rhombohedral
3 to 5 Colorless to White, maybe tinted various colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous
CHABAZITE(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,K,Na)4[Al4Si8O22]
.12H2O
Triclinic, pseudo-trigonal
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Three cleavage directions perfect to distinct in all threedirections, rhombohedral
4 to 4 Colorless to White, maybe tinted various colors
vitreous to subvitreous LEVYNE(Zeolite Group)(Ca0.5,Na,K)6[Al6Si12O36]
.~17H2O
Trigonal
Three cleavage directions Perfect in two directions,
imperfect in a third, allprismatic
3 to 4 White usually tintedother colors
vitreous, pearly oncleavage surface,
chalky whendehydrated
LAUMONTITE(Zeolite Group)Ca4[Al8Si16O48]
.18H2O
Monoclinic
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Three cleavage directions one cleavage perfect, oneimperfect, both prismatic,
one good, basal
3 to 3 Colorless to White,usually tinted othercolors
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be
pearly on cleavage
surfaces
ANHYDRITECaSO4
Orthorhombic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Three cleavage directions Perfect in two directions,
basal and prismatic,imperfect in a third, prismatic(rhombic overall)
3 to 3 Colorless to White or Greyish-white, may be
tinted other colors, streakwhite
vitreous, pearly onbasal cleavage surfaces
BARITEBaSO4
Orthorhombic
Three cleavage directions Perfect in one direction,
basal, good in a second andfair to poor in a third, both
prismatic (rhombic overall)
3 to 3 White to Greyish-white,Blue, may be tinted other
colors, streak white
vitreous, pearly onbasal cleavage
surfaces,
CELESTITE (Celestine)(Barite Group)SrSO4
Orthorhombic
Three cleavage directions
one distinct (prismatic),second direction good(basal), and fair to poor in a
third, (prismatic); rhombicoverall may be difficult tosee all three
2 to 3 Colorless to White or
Greyish-white toGreyish-brown
adamantine to sub-
adamantine, may bevitreous to resinous onsome surfaces
ANGLESITE(Barite Group)PbSO4
Orthorhombic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Three cleavage directions perfect in two directions,
prismatic, good to imperfectin a thrid, basal
3 to 3 Colorless to White or Greyish-white, may be
tinted other colors
vitreous and/or pearly. ANHYDRITECaSO4
Orthorhombic
Four cleavage directions -perfect in all four directions,
octahedral
4 Colorless, Green, Purple,Blue, Yellow, Pink
vitreous FLUORITECaF2
Isometric
Four cleavage directions -
imperfect to distinct in twodirections, good in twodirections, all prismatic
5 to 6 White to Grey,
Yellowish, Brownish,Orange, Purple
vitreous to
subvitreous, may bedull also
MARIALITE-MEIONITE(Scapolite series)3NaAlSi3O8. NaCl 3CaAl2Si2O8
.CaCO3
Tetragonal
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Six cleavage directions -
perfect in all six directions,dodecahedral, but difficult to
produce in some of them
3 to 4 Brown to Black, Yellow-
brown to Greenish-yellow-brown, may also
be Red in small crystals
resinous, but may be
oily or sub-metallic oncleavage surfaces andadamantine in small
crystals
SPHALERITE(Zn,Fe)S
Isometric
Six cleavage directions -poor to distinct in all six
directions, dodecahedral,may not be seen
5 to 6 Medium-Blue to Violet-blue, Greyish-white to
White, more rarelyGreenish- or Yellowish-
white
vitreous tosubvitreous, may be
somewhat dull inmassive material
SODALITENa8Al6Si6O24Cl2
Isometric
Six cleavage directions - poor
to distinct in all six
directions, dodecahedral,may not be seen
5 to 5 Deep-blue to Medium-
Blue or Violet-blue, may
be Greenish-blue,Colorless
dull to vitreous LAZURITE(Sodalite Group)(Na,Ca)7-8(Al,Si)12(O,S)24[(SO4),Cl2,(OH)2]
Isometric,
Triclinic, and
Monoclinicpolytypes
Notes:
Single and double cleavage direction Zeolites can be difficult to tell apart. Hardness may help to distinguish
the harder and softer species from one another, and crystal habit and form may help to tell some species
apart. In general, habits and forms taken with hardnesses are the best indicators.
Amphiboles are a large and difficult group to tell apart. The best bet is site-specific knowledge.
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Pyroxenes can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Locality information is usually the best bet for
determining what you have.
Table of Contents Return to Step 11
Table IID-2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness greater than 3 but less than 5, Cleavage not prominent:
(Can not be scratched by a copper penny, can be scratched by a knife, streak white or none.)
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
2 to 3 Bright-yellow, Orange-yellow, Orange, Red, Grey,
Green, White
sub-adamantine tovitreous, may be greasy
WULFENITEPbMoO4
Tetragonal , usual ly as thin platy topyramidal, more rarel
2 to 3 Orange-red to Ruby-red,
Brownish-red to Brownish-yellow or pale Straw-yellow
sub-vitreous to sub-
resinous
VANADINITE(Apatite Group)Pb5(VO4)3Cl
Hexagonal usually in barrel-shap
prismatic, may be acicand as hollow prisms
2 to 4, rarely 5 to 6in dense massivematerial
Apple-green to Yellow-green,Dark-green to Dark Grey-green, Greenish-black, White,
often mottled
sub-vitreous to greasy ANTIGORITE/LIZARDITE/AMESITE(Serpentine Group)Generally(Mg,Al)3(Si,AL)2O5(OH)4
Monoclinic,Orthorhombic andTriclinic
usually as crystalline m
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
3, but may be 2 across
the top surface ofprismatic crystals with
a flat termination
usually Clear or White to Tan
or Grey, but may be tintedmany colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous CALCITE(certain massive forms)CaCO3
Trigonal may be in banded mas
masses (limestone and
3 to 3 Colorless to White or
Greyish-white, may be tintedother colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous WITHERITE(certain massive forms - AragoniteGroup)BaCO3
Orthorhombic,
pseudo-hexagonal
in coarse fibrous aggr
more rarely as globula
3 Bright-green to Yellow-green, Yellow to Orange-
yellow, Brown, White,colorless
sub-vitreous to resinous PYROMORPHITE(Apatite Group)Pb5(PO4)3Cl
Hexagonal usually in barrel-shapspindle-shaped, hollow
tabular or pyramidal, or structural zones du
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
3 to 4 Pale-yellow to Yellow-
brown, Orange-yellow toOrange-red, White or
Colorless
sub-vitreous to resinous MIMETITE(Apatite Group)Pb5(AsO4)3Cl
Hexagonal usually in simple barr
acicular, may be botry
3 to 4 Colorless to White or Grey,
may be tinted other colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous
or resinous
ARAGONITE(certain massive forms)CaCO3
Orthorhombic in columnar, radiating
3 to 4 Colorless to White or Grey,may be tinted other colors
vitreous to sub-vitreous, silky whenfibrous
STRONTIANITE(Aragonite Group)SrCO3
Orthorhombic in granular or fibrous short prismatic to acicsection (Ca-rich)
3 to 4 White to Grey, may be tintedYellowish to Brownish
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be pearly
on cleavage surfaces
MAGNESITE(Calcite Group)MgCO3
Trigonal usually massive, granuprismatic but are rare
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
3 to 4 White to Greyish-white,Reddish to Reddish-brown,
Yellowish
dull to sub-vitreous ALUNITEKAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
Trigonal usually massive, granukaolinite, etc
3 to 4 Yellowish-green, Green to
Yellow, Yellow-brown,Brown, more rarely Blue,White, Colorless
vitreous to pearly or
resinous
WAVELLITEAl3(PO4)2(OH,F)3
.5H2O
Orthorhombic usually stellate or hem
crystals
4 to 4 Greyish-white to Dark-grey,
Greenish- or Brownish-white,may be Green to Apple-green,
vitreous to sub-
vitreous, may looksomewhat porcelain-
SMITHSONITE(Calcite Group)ZnCO3
Trigonal usually in botryoidal,
rhombohedral crystalssomewhat curved and
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Blue to Blue-green, Yellow,Pink or Brown
like
4 to 5 Colorless to White, may bePale-yellow, Pale-green, Sky-
blue, Pale-brown
vitreous, pearly onsome cleavage surfaces
HEMIMORPHITEZn4Si2O7(OH)2
.H2OOrthorhombic usually in radiating cl
flattened long prismatbotryoidal crusts of th
4 to 5 White to Colorless, Pale-yellow, Pale-green, Pale-
orange
vitreous to adamantine SCHEELITECaWO4
Tetragonal usually as grains or flaplaty to thin tabular or
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
4 to 5 White, Pale-pink, Pale-tan,Pale-blue
vitreous to silky infibrous material
PECTOLITE(Wollastonite Group)
NaCa2Si3O8(OH)
Triclinic usually in acicular spr
5 to 5 Pale-pink, Colorless to White,
may be Grey or other colors
usually vitreous to silky
in finer acicularaggregates, but may bedull or even greasy
NATROLITE(Zeolite Group)
Na2[Al2Si3O10].2H2O
Orthorhombic usually as long slende
aggregates, may also b
5 to 5 Colorless to White, may be
Yellow, Pink, or other colors
vitreous ANALCIME(Zeolite Group)
Na[AlSi2O6].H2O
Polymorphous (Iso.,
Tet., Orth., Mon.,Tric., Trig.)
usually in cubic or tra
masses, more rarely in
5 to5 White, usually tinted Pale-green, may be Pale-blue
vitreous to greasy DATOLITE(Gadolinite Group)Ca2B2Si2O8(OH)
Monoclinic may be either platy tomore rarely as sphericcompact
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
5 to 6 White, Yellow, Red, Brown,Black
OPALSiO2
.nH2OAmorphous glassy massive materi
"nodules," etc.
5 to 6 White to Grey, Yellowish,Brownish, Orange, Purple
vitreous to subvitreous,may be dull
MARIALITE-MEIONITE(Scapolite series)3NaAlSi3O8
. NaCl -3CaAl2Si2O8.CaCO3
Tetragonal usually massive, eithemasses may exhibit pr
short to medium prismterminations, usually
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
5 White to Colorless, Greens,Blues, Lavender, Yellows,Purples
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull inmassive material
FLUORAPATITE(Apatite Group)Ca5(PO4)3F
Hexagonal variable, may be massin short- to long-prismhabits, the hexagonal
being the most comm
and even bipyramidalacicular
5 to 5 Yellowish- or Reddish-brownto Brown, Pale-green to
nearly White
resinous to waxy MONAZITE(Ce,La,Y,Th)PO4
Monoclinic usually in crude blockalso as rounded grains
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
5 to 5 Light-green to Yellow-green,
Yellow-brown to Reddish-brown, Colorless
vitreous, occasionally
resinous
WILLEMITEZn2SiO4
Trigonal usually massively cry
hexagonal crystals
5 to 6 Medium-Blue to Violet-blue,
Greyish-white to White, morerarely Greenish- or
Yellowish-white
vitreous to subvitreous SODALITENa8Al6Si6O24Cl2
Isometric usually as granular ma
crudely cleavable, crycubo-dodecahedral, ra
5 to 5 Deep-blue to Medium-Blue
or Violet-blue, may beGreenish-blue, Colorless
LAZURITE(Sodalite Group)(Na,Ca)7-8(Al,Si)12(O,S)24[(SO4),Cl2,(OH)2]
Isometric, Triclinic,
and Monoclinicpolytypes
usually as compact m
usually well-formed d
Table of Contents Return to Step 11
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Table IIIA-1: Hardness greater than 5 but less than 7; Cleavage prominent(Can not be scratched by
a knife, can be scratched by quartz.)
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Perfect in one direction(prismatic)
4 to 5 parallel tocleavage and
crystal faces, 6 to7 across crystaland cleavagefaces
Blue, Green, Grey, White, veryrarely Black
Vitreous to sub-vitreous KYANITEAl2SiO5
Triclinic
Perfect in one direction(prismatic)
5 to 6 Light-brown to Black Resinous or pitchy/submetallic
ALLANITE-(Ce)(Epidote Group)(Ce,Ca,Y)2(Al,Fe,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)
Monoclinic
Perfect in one direction
(prismatic)
6 to 7 Green to Yellow-green, Yellow,
Grey, Brownish-green,Greenish-black, Black
vitreous to sub-vitreous ,
dull in weathered crystalsand massive materials
EPIDOTECa2(Fe,AL)3(SiO4)3(OH)
Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Perfect in one direction(prismatic)
6 to 7 Grey, Green to Yellowish-green,Pinkish, Brown, Blue, Purple,Colorless
vitreous, may be pearly oncleavage surfaces
ZOISITE(Epidote Group)Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
Orthorhombi
Perfect in one direction
(prismatic)
6 to 7 Colorless to White, Grey, Pale-
brown to Pale-yellow, morerarely Pale-blue to Pale-green
vitreous to subvitreous, silky
in fibrous material, may bedull on weathered surfaces
SILLIMANITEAl2SiO5
Orthorhombi
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two cleavage directions at
or nearly 90o. Perfect in onedirection (prismatic)
6 to 7 White to Greyish-white,
Colorless, Pinkish-white to Pale-lavender, more rarely Greenish
to Yellowish, Brown, Rose-redto Dark-red
vitreous to sub-adamantine,
"brilliant"
DIASPOREAlO(OH)
Orthorhombi
Perfect in two directions(prismatic)
6 Brown to Greenish-brown,Colorless, Black
Vitreous PIGEONITE(Pyroxene Group)(Mg,Fe,Ca)(Mg,Fe)Si2O
Monoclinic
Perfect in two directions(prismatic)
6 to 7 Grey to White, Colorless, Tan,Yellow, Pale-green to Bright-
green ("hiddenite"), Pink toLilac to Violet ("kunzite")
vitreous to sub-vitreous SPODUMENE(Pyroxene Group)LiAlSi2O6
Monoclinic
perfect in two directions(prismatic),often not apparent
6 to 7 Dark-green to Medium-Green to(more rarely) Pale-green, White
to Grey or Bluish-grey,Lavender to Violet
vitreous to sub-vitreous,may be dull in granular
material
JADEITE(Pyroxene Group)
Na(Al,Fe)Si2O6
Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Perfect in one direction,good in the second(prismatic)
6 to 6 White to colorless, Cream toTan and Pale-yellow, Salmon-
pink to Red, Green to Blue-
green
vitreous to sub-vitreous,may exhibit opalescence("adularia")
MICROCLINE(Feldspar Group)KAlSi3O8
Triclinic
Perfect in one direction,
imperfect in the second(prismatic)
6 to 6 White to colorless, Cream to
Tan to Pale-yellow, Pink toBrownish-red
vitreous to sub-vitreous,
may be dull in granularmasses, may exhibit pale
blue to white opalescence
("moonstone")
ORTHOCLASE(Feldspar Group)KalSi3O8
Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Perfect in one direction,good in the second
(prismatic)
6 to 6 White to Light-grey andColorless, in albite, may be
tinged blue or green, darkeningto Dark-grey to Black in
anorthite, intermediate membersmedium to darker greys (rarer
vitreous, labradorite exhibitsopalescence/
"labradorescence"
ALBITE ANORTHITE(Plagioclase Series)
NaAlSi3O8 CaAl2Si2O8
Triclinic
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than end members)
Perfect in one direction(prismatic), good in the
other (pinacoidal)
5 to 6 Pink to Rose-red to Brownish-red, may also be Orangish-red in
some weathered material
vitreous to sub-vitreous,may be dull in massive
material
RHODONITE(Mn,Fe,Mg,Ca) SiO3
Triclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Perfect in one direction(prismatic), imperfect in
the other (pinacoidal)
5 to 6 vitreous to splendant Black to dark Greenish-black
BABINGTONITE(Rhodonite Group)Ca2(Fe,Mn)FeSi5O14(OH)
Triclinic
Perfect in one direction,
imperfect in the seconddirection (both prismatic)
5 to 5 Yellowish-brown to Greenish-
brown
vitreous to sub-vitreous,
may be somewhat resinousor oily.
TITANITE ("SPHENE")CaTiSiO5
Monoclinic
Perfect in two directions(prismatic and pinacoidal)
6 Pale Yellowish-grey toYellowish-green, Colorless, Pale-rose toRed
vitreous to sub-vitreous CLINOZOISITE(Epidote Group)Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
perfect in one direction
(prismatic), imperfect inanother (pinacoidal),distinct in a third
(prismatic), and may have afourth, good, direction
(prismatic)
5 to 6 White to Milky- or Cream-
white, Grey, Yellowish to Tanor Beige, Salmon-pink, may also
be Greenish or Bluish, Colorless
vitreous to greasy AMBLYGONITE-MONTEBRASITELiAl(PO4)F LiAl(PO4)(OH)
Triclinic
Note: Two cleavage directions at ~56o and ~124o = Amphibole Group. A number of the Amphiboles have
hardnesses in the 5 to 6 range, spanning previous sections and this one, and may key out to this point. See
IID-1.
Table of Contents Return to Step 13
Table IIIA-2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness Greater Than 5 and Less Than 7; Cleavage not
prominent.(Can not be scratched by a knife blade, but can be scratched by quartz)
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
5 to 5 Colorless to White, usually
tinted Pale-green, may bePale-blue
vitreous to greasy DATOLITE(Gadolinite Group)Ca2B2Si2O8(OH)2
Monoclinic may be either platy to sho
crystals, more rarely as spmassive, granular to comp
5 to 6 White, Yellow, Red, Brown,Black
glassy OPALSiO2.nH2O
amorphous massive, as fracture filling"nodules," etc.
5 to 5 Azure-blue to Sky-blue, more
rarely Bluish-white to Bluish-green
vitreous to sub-vitreous LAZULITE-SCORZALITEMgAl2(PO4)2 (OH)2 FeAl2(PO4)2(OH)2
Monoclinic usually as finely crystallin
crystals rare and usually mpyramidal, tabular
5 to 6 Sky-blue to Bluish-green to
Apple-green, Green-grey
vitreous to sub-vitreous TURQUOISECuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8
.4H2O
Tricl inic usually massive in crusts
dense to finely crystallineprismatic
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
5 to 6 White to Grey, Yellowish,
Brownish, Orange, Purple MARIALITE-MEIONITE
(Scapolite series)3NaAlSi3O8.NaCl 3CaAl2Si2O8.CaCO3
Tetragonal usually massive, either co
(columnar masses may excleavage surfaces), also as
prismatic crystals with bi
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terminations, usually som
5 Light-green to Yellow-green,
Yellow-brown to Reddish-brown, Colorless
vitreous, to resinous WILLEMITE(Phenakite Group)Zn2SiO4
Trigonal usually massively crystal l
in prismatic hexagonal cry
5 to 6 Greyish-white to White,Colorless
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may bedull
LEUCITEK(AlSi2O6)
Tetragonal andIsometric
usually massive, granularcrystals equant or blocky often multiply twinned
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
5 to 6 White, often tinted yellowishor greenish, Grey, Reddish-
brown
vitreous to greasy NEPHELINE(Na,K)AlSiO4
Hexagonal usually as crystalline graincrystalline, crystals rare, h
pinacoidal or pyramidal te
5 to 6 Black to Light-brown resinous or pitchy, may appear sub-metallic
ALLANITE-(Ce)(Epidote Group)(Ce,Ca,Y)2(Al,Fe)3(SiO4)3(OH)
Monoclinic usually massive, may be pcrystals extremely rare or
5 to 6 Colorless to White or Greyish-
white, Pale-tan
vitreous EUCRYPTITE(Phenakite Group)LiAlSiO4
Trigonal usually coarsely crystallin
compact, crystals equant
5 to 6 Green or Chartreuse, Yellowto Yellow-green to Yellow-
Brown to Brown, Pink to Red,Black, White, Purple, Blue
vitreous to sub-vitreous VESUVIANITE("Idocrase")Ca10Mg2Al4(SiO4)5(Si2O7)2(OH)4
Tetragonal usually as stout prismatic
6 to 6 Pale-yellow, Brownish-red toReddish- or Greenish-brown,Pale-orange
vitreous to greasy CHONDRODITE(Humite Group)(Mg,Fe)5(SiO4)2(F,OH)2
Monoclinic usually in equant crystalliequant, blocky
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
6 to 6 Yellow to Dark-orange,Reddish-orange
vitreous to sub-vitreous HUMITE(Mg,Fe)7(SiO4)3(F,OH)2
Orthorhombic usually in equant crystalliextremely rare, also equan
6 to 6 Pale- to Medium-green, Pale-yellow, Tan to Pinkish-tan,Grey to White
vitreous to sub-vitreous, may besomewhat pearly on freshly brokenexposures
PREHNITECa2Al2Si3O10(OH)2
Orthorhombic usually botryoidal to mamencrusting matrix, also sta"bowtie" or "hourglass" a
extremely rare, short-prism
6 to 6 Dark Reddish-brown to Black usually sub-adamantine to
adamantine, but may also bemetallic
RUTILETiO2
Tetragonal usually as prismatic to aci
reticulated, may be vertica
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
6 Black metallic to submetallic PYROLUSITE(Rutile Group)MnO2
Tetragonal usually in earthy masses whardness (2), but actual crshort-prismatic to equant,
small crystals
6 to 7 Black to Dark-brown, may
also be Yellowish-grey, morerarely Red, White or Colorless
adamantine to metallic in crystals,
greasy on fracture surfaces, may beearthy or submetallic in botryoids,concretions, and massive forms
CASSITERITE(Rutile Group)SnO2
Tetragonal usually massive as botryo
concretions ("wood tin"), prismatic and complexly tunusual shapes ("knees,"
"stars," etc.)
6 to 7 Grey to Bluish-grey, Brown to
Honey-brown or Yellow toGolden-brown, more rarelyGreen or Violet
vitreous to sub-vitreous FERRO-AXINITE MANGANAXINITECa2FeAl2BSi4O15(OH) Ca2MnAl2BSi4O15(OH)
Tricl inic usually as thin wedge-sha
often arranged in rosettes
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
6 to 7 Pale-yellow to Olive-green to
Olive-brown, Black
vitreous to sub-vitreous (forsterite)
or submetallic to dull (fayalite)
FAYALITE FORSTERITE(Olivine Group)Fe2(SiO4) Mg2(SiO4)
Orthorhombic usually as crystalline mas
crystals short-prismatic
Table of Contents Return to Step 13
Table IIIB-1: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness 7 to 10; Has a Prominent Cleavage.(Can not be
scratched by quartz.)
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Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
One cleavage direction: perfect
(prismatic)
6 to 7 Grey, Green to Yellowish-green, Pinkish,
Brown, Blue, Purple, Colorless
vitreous, may be pearly on
cleavage surfaces
ZOISITE(Epidote Group)Ca2Al3(SiO4)3(OH)
Orthorhombi
One cleavage direction: perfect(prismatic)
6 to 7 Green to Yellow-green, Yellow, Grey,Brownish-green, Greenish-black, Black
vitreous to sub-vitreous, dullin weathered crystals andmassive materials
EPIDOTECa2(Fe,Al)3(SiO4)3(OH)
Monoclinic
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
One cleavage direction:perfect(prismatic)
6 to 7 Colorless to White, Grey, Pale-brown toPale-yellow, more rarely Pale-blue to Pale-green
vitreous to subvitreous, silkyin fibrous material, may bedull on weathered surfaces
SILLIMANITEAl2SiO5
Orthorhombi
One cleavage direction: perfect
(prismatic)
6 to 7 White to Greyish-white, Colorless,
Pinkish-white to Pale-lavender, morerarely Greenish to Yellowish, Brown,Rose-red to Dark-red
vitreous to sub-adamantine,
"brilliant"
DIASPOREAlO(OH)
Orthorhombi
One cleavage direction:perfect(pinacoidal, basal)
8 Colorless to Milky-white, Yellowish, to
Brownish, Pinkish, Bluish, Greenish
vitreous, may be somewhat
greasy on fracture surfaces
TOPAZAl2SiO4(F,OH)2
Orthorhombi
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Two cleavage directions: perfectin both directions (prismatic)
6 to 7 Dark-green to Medium-Green to (morerarely) Pale-green, White to Grey or
Bluish-grey, Lavender to Violet
luster vitreous to sub-vitreous, may be dull in
granular material
JADEITE(Pyroxene Group)
Na(Al,Fe)Si2O6
Monoclinic
Two cleavage directions: perfect
in both directions (prismatic)
6 to 7 Grey to White, Colorless, Tan, Yellow,
Pale-green to Bright-green ("hiddenite"),Pink to Lilac to Violet ("kunzite")
vitreous to sub-vitreous SPODUMENE(Pyroxene Group)LiAlSi2O6
Monoclinic
Two cleavage directions: oneperfect (basal) and one good
(prismatic)
6 to 7 Colorless to White, more rarely Pale-yellow, Pale-ping or Pale-brown
vitreous BERTRANDITEBe4Si2O7(OH)2
Orthorhombi
Cleavage Hardness Color Luster Name System
Three parting directions: fairrhombohedral and basal (looks
like cleavage on a small scale)
9 Dark-grey to Light-grey to Blue-grey toBlue (sapphire), Red (ruby), and Yellow,
Brown and Green in sapphire
vitreous to sub-vitreous anddull
CORUNDUMAl2O3
Trigonal
Four cleavage directions: perfect
in four directions (pyramidal)
10 Colorless to Yellow, Brown or Grey, may
be Pink, Red, Blue, Green, and Black due
to inclusions
adamantine DIAMONDC
Isometric
Table of Contents Return to Step 14
Table IIIB-2: Nonmetallic Luster; Hardness 7 to 10; Cleavage not prominent..(Can not be scratchedby quartz.)
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
6 to 7 Black to Dark-brown, may
also be Yellowish-grey,more rarely Red, White or
Colorless
adamantine to metallic in
crystals, greasy on fracturesurfaces, may be earthy or
submetallic in botryoids,concretions, and massiveforms
CASSITERITE(Rutile Group)SnO2
Tetragonal usually massive as bo
usually short prismat("knees," stubby five
6 to 7 Grey to Bluish-grey, Brownto Honey-brown or Yellow
to Golden-brown, morerarely Green or Violet
vitreous to sub-vitreous FERRO-AXINITE MANGANAXINITECa2FeAl2BSi4O15(OH) Ca2MnAl2BSi4O15(OH)
Triclinic usually as thin wedgerosettes
6 to 7 Pale-yellow to Olive-greento Olive-brown, Black
vitreous to sub-vitreous(forsterite) or submetallicto dull (fayalite
FAYALITE FORSTERITE(Olivine Group)Fe2(SiO4) Mg2(SiO4)
Orthorhombic usually as crystalline
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Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
6 to 7 Color: Colorless to White,more rarely Pale-yellow,Pale-pink or Pale-brown
vitreous BERTRANDITEBe4Si2O7(OH)2
Orthorhombic usually as tiny to mic
7 Colorless, Milky, Smoky-grey to Black, Amethyst,
Rose, Yellow to Brownish-yellow, may be tinted othershades by inclusions
vitreous QUARTZ(Crystalline)SiO2
Trigonal usually in pyramidalymassive, "rock crysta
large, "citrine" usuallsmall to micro-scale
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
7 Colorless, Milky, Grey toBlack, Red, Yellow toBrownish-yellow, Brown,
Green, Blue, may be tintedother shades by inclusions
vitreous to waxy to dull QUARTZ(Crypto- and Non-crystalline)SiO2
Trigonal "Chalcedony" as crypmasses, un-banded orred, "chrysoprase" is
green with small red jsub-variety agate" in
patterned masses withwaxy to vitreous lustlayers instead of conc
black layers).
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
7 Colorless, Milky-white,Pale-grey, Yellowish, and
Brownish
vitreous CRISTOBALITESiO2
Tetragonal(pseudo
Isometric)
usually as micro-sphecrystals very rare, usu
7 Colorless, Milky-white vitreous TRIDYMITESiO2
Orthorhombic &Hexagonal
usually as thin to thic
7 to 7 Black to Bluish-black orBrownish-black orGreenish-black
vitreous to sub-vitreous,may appear somewhat oilyon fracture surfaces
SCHORL UVITE(Tourmaline Group)
NaFe3Al6 (BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4 (Ca,Na)
(Mg,Fe)3Al5Mg(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH,F)4
Trigonal schorl usual ly in stoutriangular cross-sectisometimes appearing
identical habits, both
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
7 to 7 Black to Brownish-black or
Brown
vitreous to sub-vitreous,
may appear oily onfracture surfaces
DRAVITE(Tourmaline Group)
NaMg3Al6(BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4
Trigonal usually as stout prism
termination at one en
7 to 7 Dark Emerald-green toGreenish-black to Black
vitreous, may appear oilyon fracture surfaces
CHROMEDRAVITE(Tourmaline Group)
NaMg3(Cr,Fe)6 (BO3)3 (Si6O18)(OH)4
Trigonal usually as small to tin
7 to 7 Light- to Medium-green,Pink to Red, Light- toMedium-blue to Dark-Blue,
more rarely Light-brown toYellow, Colorless
vitreous to oily ELBAITE(Tourmaline Group)
Na(Li,Al)3Al6 (BO3)3(Si6O18)(OH)4
Trigonal usual ly in slender pricross-section, often a
pyramidal or pedial, o
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
7 to7 Deep-green to "Rusty"-green
vitreous UVAROVITE(Garnet Group)Ca3Cr2(SiO4)3
Isometric usual ly as small to tin
7 to7 Pink to Red, Brownish-orange to Orange,Cinnamon, Yellow to
Yellow-green, Pale-green toGrass-green to Emerald-
vitreous GROSSULAR (Garnet Group)Ca3Al2(SiO4)3
Isometric usual ly as small dode
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green, Colorless
7 to7 Brown, Brownish-red toBrownish-yellow, Yellow toYellow-green, Greyish-
green to Medium- or Deep-green, Black
vitreous ANDRADITE(Garnet Group)Ca3Fe2(SiO4)3
Isometric usual ly as small to m
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
7 to 7 Black to Brownish-black vitreous SCHORLOMITE(Garnet Group)Ca3Ti2(Fe2Si)O12
Isometric usual ly as small dode
7 to 7 Dark-red to Violet Red ordeep Rose-Red, also
Reddish-orange
vitreous PYROPE(Garnet Group)Mg3Al2(SiO4)3
Isometric usual ly as small to tin
7 to 7 Brown to Brownish-red toRed, Violet-red orOrangish-red
vitreous ALMANDINE(Garnet Group)Fe3Al2(SiO4)3
Isometric usual ly as dodecahed
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
7 to 7 Orangish-red to Reddish-orange, Rose-red to Ruby-red or Hyacinth-red,
Reddish-brown, Pale-yellow
vitreous SPESSARTINE(Garnet Group)Mn3Al2(SiO4)3
Isometric usual ly as medium to
7 to 7 Medium- to Dark-brown,
Reddish-brown
vitreous to sub-vitreous,
may also be dull
STAUROLITE(Fe,Mg,Zn)2Al9(Si,Al)4O22(OH)2
Monoclinic
pseudo.Orthorhombic
usually as either shor
("fairy crosses"), with
7 to 7 Greyish-blue to Blue, Grey,Greenish-blue, Violet
vitreous to oily CORDIERITE(Beryl Group?)(Mg,Fe)2Al3[AlSi5O18]
. H2O
Orthorhombic usually granular or mprismatic
7 Reddish-brown to Pale-Pink
to Deep-pink/Flesh-colored,White to Grey to Bluish-grey to Blue, Olive-green,
Green, Violet, Yellow
vitreous to sub-vitreous,
may be dull
ANDALUSITEAl2SiO5
Orthorhombic usually as prismatic c
tapered in both directon the cross section d
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
7 Brown, White, Yellow,Orange, Green, Blue
adamantine, oily onfracture surfaces
ZIRCONZrSiO4
Tetragonal usually as small tetrabe bipyramidal witho
7 to 8 Pale-blue to Pale-green(gem: "aquamarine")Yellow to Golden-yellow(gem: "heliodore"),Pink to light-red (gem:
"morganite"),White to Tan,Emerald-green (gem:
"emerald")Colorless
vitreous BERYLBe3Al2Si6O18
Hexagonal usually as stout prism
Hardness Color Luster Name System Habit
7 to 8 White to colorless vitreous PHENAKITEBe2SiO4
Trigonal usually massive, gran
as prismatic crystals
7 to 8 Dark-green to Greenish-
black, more rarely Dark-yellow to Pale-Yellow
vitreous to sub-vitreous,
may be dull
GAHNITE(Spinel Group)ZnAl2O4
Isometric usual ly massive, gran
sharp
7 to 8 Red, Black, Brown, Blue,Green
vitreous to sub-vitreous SPINELMgAl2O4
Isometric usual ly massive, gran
8 Yellow to Emerald-green vitreous CHRYSOBERYLBeAl2O4
Orthorhombic usually as tabular or shapes, may also be c
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9 Dark-grey to Light-grey toBlue-grey to Blue(sapphire), Red (ruby), and
Yellow, Brown and Greenin sapphire
vitreous to sub-vitreousand dull
CORUNDUMAl2O3
Trigonal usual ly massive, granhexagonal crystals
Notes:
The Tourmaline Group species can be difficult to tell apart without specific locality data. The overlap ofcolor and habit can make crystals without matrix very difficult to distinguish without lab tests.
Most of the Garnet Group species can be very difficult to tell apart. Color alone is rarely if ever
diagnostic; and S.G.s overlap too much to make them useful alone or with color. Mineral environment
information is usually needed in conjunction with S.G. and color to even begin to guess the species. The
best bet is specific knowledge of what is found at any given locality or lab tests in the absence of that.(Far too many "visual identifications" prove to be wrong)
Table of Contents Return to Step 14 Mineral Does Not Key: Return to Step 1
Copyright
This "Mineral Identification Key" is copyrighted by Alan Plante and Donald Peck, 2000; all rights
reserved. Permission to copy all or parts of the Key is granted for noncommercial use by individuals andmineral clubs, study groups, or educational institutions. Publication in any medium for profit, including
print and electronic, is expressly prohibited, except by written permission from the authors. Permission is
required before posting a copy of the Key to another web site.
Alan Plante, 8 Hamlin Avenue, Gorham, NH 03581
Donald Peck, 6 Indian Rock Road, Warren, NJ 07059
[Table of Contents] [Introduction ] [ Identification Kit] [Mineral Properties ] [Environments & Associations] [In Conclusion ] [The Mineral ID Key]
Bob's Rock Shop Table of Contents
Bob Keller
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