Mica Or Not

[605dano]

Looking at this rock it appears to have shiny silvery mica in it. But looking at it with a hand lens I'm not so sure. With the lens it looks more like a silvery coating on the flat side of the small clear crystals. They don't flake of with my knife blade like mica either. The rock also has an odor, but not like sulfur exactly. Rock came from the sidewall of a multi-banded quartz vein. Could it be arsenopyrite? Most of that that I have seen has been a whiter color. Or is it just mica? Any thoughts?

 

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[Rob in KS]

Looking at this rock it appears to have shiny silvery mica in it. But looking at it with a hand lens I'm not so sure. With the lens it looks more like a silvery coating on the flat side of the small clear crystals. They don't flake of with my knife blade like mica either. The rock also has an odor, but not like sulfur exactly. Rock came from the sidewall of a multi-banded quartz vein. Could it be arsenopyrite? Most of that that I have seen has been a whiter color. Or is it just mica? Any thoughts?

A close up picture would help. Try holding your magnifier in front of the camera lens and see if you can get a closer pic (hopefully in focus). Might take a few tries. Then I'll bet the people here can give you some input.

 

[gollum]

Easy answer. Go to any jewelry store and ask them to rub a bit of acid on it for you. If it disappears, it is not gold. They can test for 10, 12, 14, 18, and 24 kt (I advise starting at the bottom of the spread). You can also buy a gold testing kit on ebay for about $20.

Best - Mike