Although nearly 2500 minerals are know to occur within Earth’s crust, most are rare, with only about 100 occurring in abundance. Of those 100 minerals, 15 make up the common rock-forming minerals and some of the remainder have some economic value.

There are 5 steps to take in mineral idenfication, they are:

Step 1
Determine the luster (metallic or nonmetallic) of your mineral.

Step2
Determine the hardness of your mineral. Using a glass plate, see if the mineral scratches it. Be careful, make sure the glass is on a table, do not hold in your hand. Firmly grasp your mineral and draw it over the glass. If the mineral powders, then use your fingernail to feel if the glass is scratched.

Step3
Determine whether your mineral is light-colored or dark-colored (nonmetallics only).

Step4
Determine whether your sample has cleavage.

Step5
Your choices have been narrowed down, using the chart (which you will be taken to) see which physical properties match up with your mineral.