Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Minerals and other Natural Science topics.

How can I use color to identify a mineral?

Color

Color isn't the best diagnostic tool for some common minerals, but it's great for others. Color can vary due to impurities in the mineral - for example, quartz can be clear, milky, pink (rose quartz), grey (smoky quartz), yellow (citrine), or purple (amethyst). But while you can't rely solely on color to identify a mineral, it does help. A clear mineral won't be hornblende. A pink mineral won't be pyrite.

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Natural Science Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

Carma Spence-Pothitt

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!