2007-07-19 08:27:51 · 4 answers · asked by yoyo 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
If it's black with gold specks its probably pyrite, or fool's gold.
2007-07-19 08:37:39 · answer #1 · answered by freesince1776 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not a good idea to identify a rock by its color. There are many red rocks. Also, there are many rocks with a vitreous (glassy) luster, although I have never heard of a "sparkly" luster, so that property doesn't help much. If it is a rock then what is its grain size? Can you see visible grains? If you can what is the shape of the grains. These are the questions a geologist thinks about when identifying rocks. I always start with the most basic: Igneous, Sedimentary or Metamorphic?
2007-07-19 17:07:57 · answer #2 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is it heavy? It could be hematite. It occasionally shows up as red. It is iron oxide (Fe2O3). Scratch it on apiece of unglazed porcelain see if it leaves a red streak.
Is it heavy and magnetic? Then it might be magnetite (Fe3O4).
2007-07-19 15:40:10 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably a combination of different things that includes Iron.
2007-07-19 15:33:46 · answer #4 · answered by Gwenilynd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋