FAQ: Specimen Questions Answered
Good questions separate observations from assumptions. Open a question for the short answer, then follow the guides when you need the reasoning.
Can a photograph identify a mineral?
A photograph may support a tentative identification, but usually cannot establish hardness, composition or treatment history. Multiple views, a scale and locality information improve its usefulness. See our identification workflow before drawing a firm conclusion.
Does a six-sided crystal have to be quartz?
No. Several minerals can show six-sided outlines, and apparent shape can be misleading. Quartz belongs to the trigonal crystal system despite its familiar six-sided prism habit. Our crystal geometry guide explains why outward habit and internal symmetry are related but different.
Is an unusual crystal shape proof of rarity?
No. Species rarity, an uncommon growth habit and market availability are different questions. A rarity claim needs a defined context and reliable records. Neither an unfamiliar color nor a promotional name establishes scarcity or monetary value.
What is the difference between a mineral and a rock?
A mineral is a naturally occurring solid with an ordered atomic structure and a defined range of composition. A rock is a geological material that may contain one or more minerals or noncrystalline components. Granite commonly contains quartz, feldspars and mica; obsidian is volcanic glass rather than one mineral species.
Are all geodes volcanic?
No. Some develop in volcanic cavities, while others occur in sedimentary settings. The host rock and local geology are needed to distinguish their histories. A hollow crystal-lined interior does not identify one universal formation process. Follow the fluid-history study for context.
Is a branching pattern a plant fossil?
Not necessarily. Mineral dendrites can resemble branches. Shape alone is insufficient to establish a biological origin. The relationship to the rock surface, internal structure and geological setting must also be considered.
Should I scratch, taste or acid-test an unknown specimen?
Never taste an unknown mineral. Avoid scratch, streak, heating or chemical tests on unidentified potentially hazardous material. Start with observation and seek qualified guidance before destructive testing. Do not create dust or handle loose fibers casually.
Can color distinguish natural, treated and synthetic gemstones?
Usually not by itself. Natural, treated and synthetic materials can overlap in appearance. Reliable determination may require specialist gemological examination. This site does not authenticate gemstones or infer treatment history from photographs.
When is laboratory analysis appropriate?
It is useful when look-alike species remain unresolved, a species-level identification matters or a claim requires documentation. Ask a qualified laboratory which method is suitable and whether sampling is destructive. X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy and compositional methods answer different questions.
Does this website provide valuations or certified identifications?
No. The site provides educational information, not appraisals, laboratory certificates or professional collecting-risk assessments. The contact tool only prepares text on your device. It does not upload a specimen, send an email or guarantee a response.