Rock and Mineral Identification?

[TheRockCollector]

Hey guys,
Last year I didint Realy pay to much attention to rocks and minerals and in the long run it back fired and lets just say I'm not to good anymore at identification.... So I was just wondering if anyone has any tips, websites etc. to help me get better at ID you can suggest me some books but my local Indigo/chapters probaly won't have it do dont worry to much about book suggestions. I am also not the greatest with every day rocks(common rocks) like basalt and chery because if never payed close attention to the rocks that are always on front of me lol so also can someone help me with ID websites... Etc. on common rocks.
Thanks,
TheRockCollector

 

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[Eu_citzen]

Second one is a pegmatite with tourmaline. Sorta a "large grained" granite.

 

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[DDancer]

EU has the second one I disagree on the first one Rific it appears to be opal to me as there seems to be some color in it and the luster is more glassy than chalcedony but I'd be happy to be wrong.

 

[Explorer Helpplease]

Hey my name is Dalton seymour and I am in Colorado. I have a question about a mineral I have recently found. It is similar to rainbow pyrite and or rainbow hematite. I found this mineral coating like a druze gemstone, in what I believe to be rocks composed of iron. It has a rainbow luster and doesn't rub off like oil. I have washed it and still it remains on the rock. If you have any idea what this might be. I appreciate your time and hope to here back.

 

[DDancer]

Explorer, welcome to the forum. Try posting your find in a new thread with a picture or three taken in natural light. From the sound of it I'd say you probably have some peacock pyrite. Luck to ya.

 

[hvacker]

In my (limited) experience there is nothing like finding the wild ones that enforce the knowing of a rock.
My best learning came from a rock club at our Natural History Museum. There were lots of pros there and the ability to
access mining claims that wouldn't have happened otherwise.
Finding wild rocks also moves most to the other side, research. A picture of a rock is just a picture. Buying a specimen can
be kind of impersonal for myself. But finding a rock in the wild is closer to an experience.

I made a study of wild plants in past years and finding and being able to ID wild plants made a huge life change for me. Wild rocks do the same.
I know everyone has their own way of learning. Some need to approach learning by study. Some by touching. Finding how one learns is important.

 

[tonyswedev]

Fine.. here s a list of books and references I've used:

1. The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall (First Book)
2. Handbook of Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones by Walter Schumann
3. The Essential Crystal Handbook by Simon & Sue Lilly
4. DK Pocket Rocks & Minerals (small pocket sized book)
5. DK Pocket Rocks & Minerals (Large sized book with interactive dvd)
6. DK Pocket Gemstones
7. National Audubon Society Field Guide To North American Rocks & Minerals
8. 2 years worth of Rock & Gem Magazine
9. World Book Of Encyclopedia (G = Gemstones, M = Minerals, R = Rocks)

Web sites:

1. Mindat.org (Ban)
2. TreasureNet (I'm Still Here)
3. RockTumblingHobby.com (Ban)
4. Minerals.net (Made Mod But Ban Later)
5. TreasureHunters Wiki (Ban)

Personal Experience / Hand On (Since 2004):

1. GemMountain.com (sluicing)
2. EmeraldVillage.com (sluicing)
3. Hiddenitegems.com (sluicing)
4. 28 Gem and Minerals shows (east coast region)
5. Three Visits to Actual Gem Mines (Gem Mountain Aquamarine Mine NC, Morefield Amazonite Mine VA, Herkimer Diamond mine NY)

Friends & Family:

1. Niece Home In North Carolina (Hot Bed for Smokey Quartz, Beryl & Unakite)
2. Friends Land On Eastern Shore Of Maryland (Hot Bed for Caramel Jasper)
3. Friends Land In PA (Hot Bed For Creamy White Calcedony)
4. Aunt's Home In TN (Hot Bed For Gray/Blue Chalcedony/Agate)

StoneWhisper, Thanks
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