How do I find out what kind of rock I have?

Can you identify my rock or mineral?

1. Your state geological survey.
2. A natural science museum.
3. A college or university with a geology department.
4. A rockshop.
5. Members of a local Gem & Mineral club or Rockhunting club (many hobbyists are experts at identification)
6. Vendors at a Gem & Mineral show.

What kind of rocks are found in Wisconsin?

Common igneous intrusive rocks found in Wisconsin include granite, diorite, syenite, and gabbro. Rocks that formed from magma reaching the earth’s surface as lava flows, or other volcanic material, are termed extrusive rocks. Some of the most common extrusive rocks in the state are basalt, felsite, and rhyolite.

What is the easiest way to identify igneous rocks?

Igneous rocks can be distinguished from sedimentary rocks by the lack of beds, lack of fossils, and lack of rounded grains in igneous rocks, and the presence of igneous textures.

Is there an app for identifying rocks?

The KamenCheck and the RockCheck apps are available for free on the Google play store and are adapted for use on Android devices (soon also planned for iOS).

How do I identify the rocks in my yard?

How to Identify Backyard Rocks

1. Look Closely. Look at each with your magnifying glass to identify its characteristics.
2. Scratch the Surface. Try to scratch each rock with your fingernail, which can help you identify it by its hardness.
3. Test for Magnetization.
4. Compare What You Already Know.

Can you find Jade in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Jade is a nephrite that was discovered in the high hill area of Marathon County Wisconsin. This plentiful source has been in the mining process for several years producing dramatic shades of green to nearly white jade all with fascinating patterns.

Are geodes found in Wisconsin?

These geodes can be filled with a variety of minerals including millerite, drusy quartz, and goethite. The best places to find geodes in Wisconsin are near Estabrook Park in Milwaukee, a quarry on Big Hill Road in Pepin County, and the Fayerweather Quarry near Prairie du Chien.

How can I identify a sedimentary rock?

Sedimentary rocks such as limestone or shale are hardened sediment with sandy or clay-like layers (strata). They are usually brown to gray in color and may have fossils and water or wind marks. Metamorphic rocks such as marble are tough, with straight or curved layers (foliation) of light and dark minerals.

How do I identify rocks and minerals?

Using Characteristics of Minerals to Identify Them

1. Hardness. The ability to resist being scratched—or hardness—is one of the most useful properties for identifying minerals.
2. Luster. Luster is how a mineral reflects light.
3. Color. One of the most obvious properties of a mineral is color.
4. Streak.
5. Specific Gravity.

How can I identify my rocks and minerals?

Rocks and minerals must be examined in person from all perspectives for accurate identification; they 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:

How can you tell if a rock is fine or coarse?

They come in various colors and often contain glittery mica. Next, check the rock’s grain size and hardness. Grain Size: Coarse grains are visible to the naked eye, and the minerals can usually be identified without using a magnifier. Fine grains are smaller and usually cannot be identified without using a magnifier.

How to identify a gemstone?

Take a photo of any crystals or gemstones and get an instant accurate identification. This rock scanner app contains over 6000+ types of rocks and helps anyone who wants to recognize, examine and explore characteristics of stones in seconds.

How do you identify a geode?

Look for medium-sized rocks that appear to be more round than surrounding rocks. Geodes look a lot like normal rocks but can sometimes have an egg-like shape that distinguishes them. Sharp, pointy rocks rarely contain geodes. 2