If you found a glassy-appearing mineral while rock hunting and had hopes that it was a diamond what simple test might help you make a determination?

Answer 1

Attempt to scratch it with a known diamond. If no mark is left, then you have found a diamond.

If you want to try something that will not damage your sample, (if it is not a diamond, it will be scratched) you can try it the other way. Use the "Mohs" scale as your starting place, try scratching it with your fingernail first. If it doesn't, then it passes the first two levels of hardness. Then try a copper coin, if that leaves no scratch then you pass level three. If it isn't "easily" scratched with a knife, then it passes level four, with stones such as Fluorite. Then if you can not scratch it with your knife (use some effort), it's passed level five. Apatite is in that level. Then try a steel file, if you can't scratch it, you've passed level six. Finally if it scratches window glass, it is at least level seven hardness and Quartz is one of the stones in that level. If you've passed all the levels up to that and done nothing to damage your sample, then I might test it with the diamond and not be so concerned about risking what is called a semi-precious stone. You can always take the sample to a local jewelry store and ask them to test the stone for you. Most retail stores keep a tester on site, for quick on the spot testing. This wouldn't damage the stone in any way and then you would know if it was a diamond or not.

Answer 2

You could test the hardness of the mineral using a tool like a diamond tester or a hardness test kit. Diamonds are one of the hardest natural minerals, so if the mineral scratches glass or leaves a mark on a streak plate, it may be a diamond. Additionally, examining the mineral under a microscope for characteristics like crystal structure and cleavage can also help in determining if it is a diamond.