Ok so here are some photos of a 81 gram nugget iv recently aquired but iv no clue what it is first I thought is was a copper nugget but it's unlike any iv ever seen and there is no oxidation so I don't think it's copper it has a very specific odor to it too so if anyone could help id greatly appreciate it thank you.
In my Geology classes in college, to identify minerals, one test we used was the streak test. It was simply taking the sample and scraping it against an un-glazed ceramic tile. If this were done with pyrite, it would leave a black streak; if gold, then a yellow streak.
This was always a great simple test to really narrow down the candidates. Hardness and Specific Gravity tests would follow to make a more definitive determination. Of the three tests, the streak test was always simplest and quickest. By itself it may not tell you absolutely what the sample is, but it will tell you what it is not.
Yup thanks for your responses I have done all three tests and all sighns point to mohawkite and I looked that mineral up and it looks a lot like it so that's what I'm gonna say it is thanks again guys!
Where was this acquired? That might give a better clue as to it's composition. Did you buy it from someone? If so, did they not give you an Idea of what it is?
13 is not a bad weight. I guess for positive analysis, take it to a school where they have a geology class, (instructor). Everyone should own a spectrograph! LOL. I'd love one.
Replies
In my Geology classes in college, to identify minerals, one test we used was the streak test. It was simply taking the sample and scraping it against an un-glazed ceramic tile. If this were done with pyrite, it would leave a black streak; if gold, then a yellow streak.
This was always a great simple test to really narrow down the candidates. Hardness and Specific Gravity tests would follow to make a more definitive determination. Of the three tests, the streak test was always simplest and quickest. By itself it may not tell you absolutely what the sample is, but it will tell you what it is not.
Where was this acquired? That might give a better clue as to it's composition. Did you buy it from someone? If so, did they not give you an Idea of what it is?
13 is not a bad weight. I guess for positive analysis, take it to a school where they have a geology class, (instructor). Everyone should own a spectrograph! LOL. I'd love one.
Looks like the iron pyrite my buddy, and I used to find when we were kids. W thought we ha struck it rich.
Do a quick Specific Gravity test. It will put you in a ballpark estimate as to what it is. Gold is 19.x Platinum can be 21.x
Due to it not being pure, if it was either, it would run probably 16.x +
If it comes out 9 or something, it could be lead or maybe silver, but silver would be normally blackish silver oxide
no clue but look forward to knowing what is
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