Nice video! You should post more awesome vids. Hey #8 is supposed to be topaz I think your sample is beryl, it has a different chemical structure and its hardness can be a little lower as well. Watch out. Beryl: Be3Al2Si6O18 Beryl has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. Topaz: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2 Topaz has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale.
Hey !! love ur videos, I'm studying geology in Belgium and this is my last bachelor year and I have to choose a specialisation, do you have some advices ?? cause I'm clearly lost , between paleontologist and mining engineering there's quite a difference !! It would also be a cool video subject, different possible works ! Thanksss greetings from Belgium.
+bzdar asdqz So when I did mine, I did a general specialization, mostly because it fit with communicating topics. Mining engineering is a very lucrative field, while paleontology is more academia based. I LOVE paleontology, but mining engineering is a good route if you are looking for something right out of school. Hint if you go work at a mining company, don't go into soft rock mining, very dangerous stuff. Hard rock is not nearly as dangerous, which is good when you start out because very often you do start out underground. I hope that's a little helpful! Good luck with your studies!
I’m trying to scratch something but not sure is there supposed to be an actual groove? Or just any mark it makes after wiping away dust? This seems to be harder than quartz but I’m not sure what it is
I've always used if it makes a mark on the sample. If it can mark it, it's harder than the one being used to scratch. But with the dust a lot of the time the rock you are scratching with will deposit some, so make sure there actually is a mark on the testing sample.
Ok, clearly not a geologist, but when would you use this test? Say for instance you found something. You'd probably look at it first, to see if you can identify by sight. Is the hardness test next? Or maybe try to weight it/work out a density? Or is it all a matter of "go with gut instinct" because it will completely change depending on what you have found?
William Pettersson ok, so you're totally right. First you look at it, and decide if you can decide based on color, context in the overall landscape/region and how it's shaped (so crystal pattern). A lot of the time in the field that will be about all you need to do, because the physical appearance is going to narrow down what it is pretty far. Next, if you're still waffling you can use the hardness test, but to be honest it goes to "can I scratch this with my nail or knife." The most I have ever used the Hardness scale is when you have 3 or 4 samples that all look the same in a lab, and you have to identify them. In the field it tends to be more complex and yet a little easier. :) Hope that helps!
No beryl and topaz are different, so you are right. Beryl can be called emerald sometimes, as well as aquamarine. edit. I just watched the video back, and I'm honestly not sure how I missed that. Must have slipped through!
Copper penny pre 1982 is 3.5. after 1982 it isn't. I thought a nail was considered 5.5, or slightly less. a glass plate is 5.5. an unglazed porcelain plate is 6.5.
Honestly once you're in the field a lot of this isn't used. The theory behind Mohs scale is one to understand and then kinda move on especially when it comes to practical application. I think the most I've done is scratch it with a pocket knife if I'm that unsure as to what I'm looking at.
Hi, I have recently attained some beautiful specimens of diamond and gemstones of all facets and color but need someone with a bit of expertise so we can make a justified decision to what these lovely stones are.
