Which property is most useful for mineral identification?

Hardness, streak, cleavage, lustre, and crystal form are generally more diagnostic than colour alone.

Is a property match a confirmed identification?

No. Quick ID produces evidence-based candidates, not a laboratory determination. Confirm important specimens with additional tests or a qualified professional.

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GeoMiner Quick ID

GeoMiner Quick ID narrows an unknown specimen using observable physical properties without requiring a photo or account. Choose whether the sample is a rock or mineral, then record colour and texture. Mineral searches can also compare lustre, transparency, a cautious hardness estimate, an existing safe streak result, cleavage or fracture, and relative heft against structured catalogue properties. The tool ranks reference candidates that fit the selected evidence, lets a visitor save candidates to a device-only field list, and links to detailed properties and safer follow-up tests. Use several independent clues because colour alone is unreliable, weathered surfaces can mislead, and different materials may share one property. Do not grind, powder, or streak an unknown or potentially hazardous specimen. Quick ID provides candidates for learning and field triage rather than a laboratory determination.

JavaScript is loading the interactive GeoMiner experience. The identification tools provide educational candidates, not laboratory confirmation.