How-to
How to identify rocks
Color, texture, hardness and luster, the four clues that name almost any rock.
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How-to
How to identify crystals
Read the crystal shape, color and hardness to name common crystals by sight.
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How-to
How to identify minerals
Hardness, streak, luster, cleavage, the classic mineral tests, explained.
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Gemstones
How to tell if a gemstone is real
Simple checks that separate real gems from glass, plastic and fakes.
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Geology basics
The 3 types of rocks
Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic, how each forms and how to tell them apart.
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Geology basics
The Mohs hardness scale
Talc to diamond, and how to test hardness at home with everyday objects.
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