Rock & mineral identification guides
Practical, scientifically grounded guides for field and classroom use.
Gemstone Identification
Optical and physical clues—without unsupported authenticity claims from photos alone.
Crystal Identification
Habit, system and surface features.
Rock Types
Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks at a glance.
Mineral Colour Chart
Why colour helps—and when it misleads.
Mohs Hardness Scale
Talcreference scale from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond).
How to Identify Minerals
A practical sequence: lustre, colour, streak, hardness, cleavage and habit.
How to Identify Rocks
Use texture, grain size and mineral composition to separate igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.