Layer 3 Layer 2

Mineral Identification

What we know about your mineral so far:
  • Metallic luster
  • Does NOT scratch glass

Use chart on the right to determine your mineral.

Mineral Identification Chart
Mineral
Description
Galena
lead ore
PbS
Silvery in color
heavy
H: 2.5
G: 7.6
perfect cubic cleavage
lead gray streak
Chalcopyrite
CuFeS2
Brass-yellow in color
tarnishes to purple
H: 3.5-4
G: 4.5
green-black streak
Sphalerite
zinc ore
ZnS
Brown, black, or yellow in color
6 directions of cleavage
H: 3.5-3.5
G: 4
yellow, brown or white streak that has a rotten egg smell

Key
H=hardness // F=fracture // L=luster // S=streak // G=specific gravity

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