Can you identify my rock or mineral?
Rocks and minerals are extremely difficult to identify through photographs. You will get the best results by taking your rock or mineral to a local source where it can be handled and examined closely. Possibilities include:
- Your state geological survey
- A natural science museum
- A college or university with a geology department
- A rockshop
- Members of a local Gem & Mineral club or Rockhunting club (many hobbyists are experts at identification)
- Vendors at a Gem & Mineral show
Geology professionals and hobbyists love to identify rocks!
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What are igneous rocks?
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EarthWord–Rock vs. Mineral
Ever wondered what the difference between a rock and a mineral was? This EarthWord should cover it...
Geologist collecting rock samples exposed in a glacial stream valley
USGS research geologist Jamey Jones collects multiple samples of rocks exposed in a glacial stream valley near Lake Clark.
Scientists Examine Rocks in the Jicarilla Mountains, NM
USGS geologists and collaborator from New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources examine rocks in the Jicarilla Mountains, New Mexico.
USGS scientist evaluating rock samples from Cuyama Valley
Randy Hanson evaluates rock samples from Cuyama Valley. Studying area geologic formations and history informs scientists about how water may flow through an aquifer, and how water quality might be affected by rocks and sediments in the groundwater system.
Scientists Collect Data on Yosemite Rock Erosion
Yosemite National Park geologist Greg Stock and USGS civil engineer Brian Collins download data from instruments measuring how much granitic exfoliation sheets move from daily temperature variations as a precursor to rock fall.
Geologist checks a granitic rock before geochemistry and geochronology
USGS geologist Erin Todd examines granitic rocks in outcrop before collecting samples for geochemistry and geochronology in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska.
Examining a rock from a pyroclastic flow deposit, Mount Hood, OR
Above the geologist's head, a second pyroclastic-flow deposit can be seen where there is a horizontal contact (line) between the two deposits. These flows were emplaced during the Timberline eruptive period, which occurred about 1,500 years ago, and helped to build the broad fan of pyroclastic-flow and lahar deposits that forms the southwest flank of the volcano.
USGS examine new rock samples from new growth on Mount St. Helens
USGS scientists examine new rock samples from the new growth on Mount St. Helens' dome.
Obsidian rock from Obsidian Cliff, YNP.
Close view of rocks from from Obsidian Cliff. This outcrop exposes the interior of a thick rhyolite lava flow erupted about 180,000 years ago.
GeoCamp, rock identification
Hands-on experience identifying rock types while rafting along the Cheat River.