How to Identify Stones: A Comprehensive Guide from Appearance to Science
Stones are one of the most common natural substances on earth, but how to identify their type, value and use is a science. Whether you are a collector, a geologist or an ordinary hobbyist, it is very important to master the basic methods of stone identification. This article will combine hot topics and hot content in the past 10 days to provide you with a structured stone identification guide.
1. Basic classification of stones
Stones are divided into three main categories: igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. The following is a comparison of their features:
| Type | Formation method | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| igneous rock | Magma cools and solidifies | granite, basalt |
| sedimentary rock | sediment compaction | sandstone, limestone |
| metamorphic rock | High temperature and high pressure | Marble, slate |
2. How to identify stones by their appearance
1.color: Different minerals give stones different colors. For example, a stone containing iron may appear red or brown, while a stone containing copper may appear green or blue.
2.texture: Observing the texture of a stone can help determine its type. Igneous rocks usually have a crystalline structure, sedimentary rocks may be layered, and metamorphic rocks may have a banded texture.
3.Hardness: Use Mohs hardness tester to test the hardness of stone. The following is a comparison of the hardness of common minerals:
| Mineral | Mohs hardness |
|---|---|
| Talc | 1 |
| Gypsum | 2 |
| calcite | 3 |
| Fluorite | 4 |
| Apatite | 5 |
3. Scientific testing methods
1.Density test: Calculate the density by measuring the mass and volume of the stone. The density of different stones varies greatly. For example, quartz has a density of approximately 2.65 g/cm³, while pyrite has a density of up to 5 g/cm³.
2.acid test: Certain stones (such as limestone) react with hydrochloric acid to produce bubbles, which is an effective way to identify carbonate minerals.
3.UV test: Some minerals fluoresce under ultraviolet light, such as fluorite and some diamonds.
4. Recent hot stone topics
1.Meteorite collecting craze: In the past 10 days, the market value of meteorites has once again become a hot topic, especially meteorites containing rare metals.
2.Jade counterfeiting problem: Many cases of artificially dyed jade have been exposed on social media. Consumers need to be wary of low-priced “natural jade”.
3.The Crystal Healing Controversy: Despite the popularity of crystal healing on the Internet, the scientific community is skeptical of its effectiveness.
5. Summary
Identifying stones requires a combination of appearance observation and scientific testing methods. Whether for collecting, research, or decorative purposes, mastering these techniques can help you better identify a stone's authenticity and value. Recent hot topics also remind us that when purchasing or collecting stones, we must remain rational and avoid being misled by false information.
I hope this guide can provide you with a practical reference!
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