15 Unknown Mineral Search Routine

Enter one or more properties of an unknown mineral using the check boxes, radio buttons, and sliders to constrain the list of possible minerals to minerals that have the properties you enter. The possible minerals list is comprised of the common minerals described on this website. Click on any one of the possible minerals remaining to see more information and thin section images of that mineral. You can change any of the entered properties individually or reload the page by pressing the “START OVER” button. If you are looking at this on a small phone screen, turn your phone to make the long direction horizontal.    

Mineral Color in PPL








Max Observed Retardation (Δ)

Max Observed Δ
(nm)
Birefringence* (δ)




Relief

 
 
 
 

Mineral Type

Unknown
Isotropic
Uniaxial(+)
Uniaxial(-)
Biaxial(+)
Biaxial(-)

Minimum RI

Maximum RI

1.40                            1.90

Cleavages Present





Twinning

Other Properties











Rock Type

Unknown
Igneous
Metamorphic
Sedimentary




* The birefringence value is calculated from the retardation value by assuming that the thin section is 30 μm thick.