Mineral Charts [6] through [15] are for the nonmetallic minerals of various colors. They, too, are subdivided according to the hardness of the minerals, as follows:
1. Can the mineral be scratched by a fingernail?
2. If it cannot be scratched by a fingernail, can it be scratched by a copper penny?
3. If it cannot be scratched by a copper penny, can it be scratched by an ordinary pocket knife?
4. If it cannot be scratched by an ordinary pocket knife, can it be scratched by a piece of [quartz]?
5. Is it too hard to be scratched by [quartz]?
When the luster, color, and hardness of a mineral have been determined, you may find that several minerals on the charts fit the description. To narrow your choice, you can then test other properties of the mineral. Notice the “remarks” column on the charts. In it, is mentioned anything that is distinctive about the mineral.
For more complete mineral identification lists and tables, you can use textbooks, such as Dana’s Manual of Mineralogy, revised by C. S. Hurlbut, Jr., or Mineralogy, by E. H. Kraus, W. F. Hunt, and L. S. Ramsdell.
Key to Mineral Identification Charts
If the mineral has a metallic or submetallic luster,
| and is: | Consult Mineral Chart |
| white | [1] |
| gray | [2] |
| yellow | [3] |
| brown | [4] |
| black | [5] |
If the mineral has a nonmetallic luster,
| and is: | Consult Mineral Chart |
| white | [6] |
| gray | [7] |
| yellow | [8] |
| brown | [9] |
| black | [10] |
| green | [11] |
| blue | [12] |
| red or pink | [13] |
| purple or violet | [14] |
| colorless | [15] |