Preliminary: Rocks and Minerals

[prelude to death]

So basically, I should just put all the stuff I can find in my binder? (But make everything organized, of course.)

[pjgscioisamazing]

So basically, I should just put all the stuff I can find in my binder? (But make everything organized, of course.)

Yeah. Back a few years ago when it was an event, I had a page in my binder for each mineral/rock on the list, and the page had all the properties. Although I barely used my binder, I mainly stuck to my brain and my book

[prelude to death]

Okay, thanks!!!

[iYOA]

any suggestions for IDing?

[quizbowl]

any suggestions for IDing?

Practice, practice, practice! A lot of the rocks and minerals can be easily identified by their crystal growth, their color and other things like their transparency. Maybe you can hold it in your hand - if you're stuck between pyrite and gold, one is much more dense and has a higher specific gravity. If you are provided a streak plate, see what color comes up. Maybe test for the hardness with a nail or a piece of glass. The best way to practice is to have someone gather rock specimens (which aren't hard to find on the internet) and test you. Good luck!

[gneissisnice]

So basically, I should just put all the stuff I can find in my binder? (But make everything organized, of course.)

Yeah. Back a few years ago when it was an event, I had a page in my binder for each mineral/rock on the list, and the page had all the properties. Although I barely used my binder, I mainly stuck to my brain and my book

I preferred my binder (and my brain). I had most stuff memorized, but I wasn't gonna go and memorize every single mineral's hardness, streak, formula, etc. I used my binder for all that stuff, I never really used books.

Do you think we should also know the Goldrich reaction series? It's pretty similar to Bowen's.

I've never even heard of that, and I took Mineralogy in college. I wouldn't bother, you should only have to know Bowen's.

[salcedam]

I would appreciate it very much if people PM'd me the names of some good guidebooks for this event. That would be awesome!

[robotman]

I would appreciate it very much if people PM'd me the names of some good guidebooks for this event. That would be awesome!

I really see no reason why they shouldn't just post it here. If they where to post it here on the thread they would be helping not just one person but anyone who needs help, which would make it more worthwhile for everyone.

[salcedam]

I would appreciate it very much if people PM'd me the names of some good guidebooks for this event. That would be awesome!

I really see no reason why they shouldn't just post it here. If they where to post it here on the thread they would be helping not just one person but anyone who needs help, which would make it more worthwhile for everyone.

Of course. Sorry about that.

[Infinity Flat]

I would appreciate it very much if people PM'd me the names of some good guidebooks for this event. That would be awesome!

I really see no reason why they shouldn't just post it here. If they where to post it here on the thread they would be helping not just one person but anyone who needs help, which would make it more worthwhile for everyone.

Of course. Sorry about that.

Also, haven't most people already posted about what field guides they're using?
Of the two I have, by the way, I'm leaning towards Audubon. (The other is Peterson, which seems to waste too much space on where the minerals occur, IMO)