How to Identify Crystals
A variety of minerals, and especially precious and semi-precious gemstones, are formed in structures called crystals. There are six separate crystal systems (or general shapes and appearance) for a mineral. However, identifying one of these systems is only a single step in identifying crystals. There are other defining features that can make one crystal different from another.
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Instructions
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How to Identify Crystals
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Examine your crystal and define your crystal's color, the primary method by which crystals are identified. Be as accurate as possible in describing the color. For example, there are differences between red, deep red and magenta crystals.
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Check your crystal's opaqueness, the ability to see through it. If you can read a newspaper through the crystal, then it isn't opaque at all. If you can't see anything on the other side, then it's very opaque.
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Identify your crystal's shape. There are six different shapes: isometric, hexagonal, tetragonal, orthohombric, monoclinic and triclinic. Certain minerals that form crystals will take certain shapes, and if you can identify the pattern of the crystal's shape, then it will be another step forward in proper identification.
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Research crystals that have similar properties to your crystal. If your crystal is stubby, yellow and relatively opaque, for instance, then chances are good that you may have a topaz. If you can find a crystal that has the same description as yours, locate a picture of that crystal so that you can compare them and make a final determination.
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Tips & Warnings
It is always possible to go to a professional jeweler. He will probably have better luck identifying gem stones, but he may be able to identify common crystals as well.
There are other ways to test a crystal, such as exposing it to chemicals or attempting to break or scratch it to test its hardness. These tests may be dangerous to perform in the home, and it's likely that they might destroy your crystal. Thus, it's best to find a safer method if you want to preserve the stone.
