The recognition of minerals by means of their optical properties is doubtless the single most widely used and most widely applicable method of mineral identification. Identification is based on their crystallographic properties (e.g., crystal faces, cleavage, twinning), birefringence, and general optical properties. Identification requires a systematic approach, common sense, and understanding of optical properties, familiarity with common minerals found in soils and rocks, an understanding of certain mineral associations, and mineral weathering. For example, you would not expect to identify carbonates in highly acid soils, or olivine in highly weathered soils. The following porperties should be noted for each mineral species identified.

This page (http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/plymouth/programs/id.html) created by
Vera MacConnell, Research Technician, I on November 17, 1997.
Last Updated on November 17, 1997.