How to Identify Stones, Gems & Crystals
Stones, gems and crystals are all types of minerals that have over time developed into colored or clear formations. The three are often referred to collectively as gemstones and may be identified using the same process for each type of mineral. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gemstone to identify
- Rock hammer
- Hardness kit
- Cleavage chart
- Ceramic plate
- Streak chart
- Microscope
- Slide
- Specific gravity testing kit
Instructions
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1
Determine that the stone, gem or crystal you have is really a gemstone. There are colored rocks, and ores that may appear to look like precious stones. If the stone, gem or crystal has a sandy texture, then it is not a gemstone; it is also not a gemstone if it is easily malleable by hand or hammer.
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2
Measure the hardness of the gemstone. The hardness kit will come with samples of other minerals that represent each level of the Moh's hardness scale. Use the test minerals to scratch your unidentified gemstone; if a test mineral scratches your gemstone, then your stone, gem or crystal is not as hard as that test mineral.
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3
Use a cleavage chart to examine the break of the gemstone and compare it to the breaks of other gemstones on the cleavage charts. Strike your gemstone to create the break you will use for comparisons.
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4
Rub the unidentified gemstone against a ceramic plate. If a mark is created, it can be compared to other streaks on a streak chart to help you in identifying the gemstone.
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5
Break off a tiny bit of the gemstone if you are able to. Place the sample on a slide and view it under a microscope to see the crystalline structure inside the gemstone. The crystalline structure of each gemstone is unique.
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Summarize all of your test to come to a theory on the type of gemstone you have. Obtain other certified samples of your theorized type and compare your original gemstone to the samples.
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Perform more advanced, expert testing to more closely identify your gemstone. Testing the specific gravity of the gemstone by placing it in a tube of water and measuring in the displacement of the water may also be valuable information in determining the identity of your gemstone.
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Tips & Warnings
Experts also use such tests as light dispersion, color changes and refractive indexes. Bear in mind that the color alone of a stone, gem or crystal will not give you an immediate means of identification. For example, while the typical view is of a sapphire as being a blue-tinted gemstone, it has also been discovered in hues of pinks, yellows and even greens.
