Trying to ID this mineral

[jsurddy]

I was finding these black 3 dimensional hexagon shaped things while gold panning in Petersville, Alaska. I've also found them embeded in a crumbly rock. I've tried looking them up online but cant find any info on them. Just thought i'd see if anyone here has any ideas about what they could be.

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[Eu_citzen]

Do a hardness and streak test.

 

[jsurddy]

I dont know how to. Allthough, it is pretty soft and flakes apart easily.


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[jsurddy]

Ok, just read up on how to streak test.


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[Tejaas]

That's a nice example of euhedral Molybdenite, and is commonly found across Canada and southeastern Alaska.

Cool find.


~Tejaas~

 

[Eu_citzen]

I dont know how to. Allthough, it is pretty soft and flakes apart easily.


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Right.
A streak test:
Rubb against unglazed porcelain. What colour do you get?

Hardness test:
Will your fingernail scratch it? (if yes, ignore the following ones)
Will a knifeblade scratch it?
Will Quartz scratch it?

Do the tests on a not to pretty specimen.

 

[jsurddy]

It's very soft and flaky. When it seperates you get flat hexagon shaped layers. My knife can poke through it. Similar consistancy as pyrite.


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[jsurddy]

I'll do the streak test when i get home.


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[gunsil]

I thought a streak test was where you run naked through a public place and see if you get cheered or booed!!

 

[jsurddy]

You mean it isnt?? Whoops.


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[Brian T. Booth]

"Flakes apart easily". Not rare but you don't find them in their perfect crystal structure often. It's biotite.

 

[jsurddy]

I actually stumbled across biotite while surfing the net recently. You are definitely right about that!


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