OpenTube

Identifying Mineral Samples

Mike Sammartano

1,202,048 views

A walkthrough of the tests used to identify mineral samples, from hardness and streak to luster and cleavage. Made for Earth Science students, NYS Regents prep, and middle and high school science classes.

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@mikesammartano

Free online Earth Science textbook
Chapters, interactives, videos, and practice questions for every unit of Regents Earth Science:
https://mikesammartano.com/science

New on Amazon: Earth and Space Sciences Reference Tables Workbook, 2026 Edition
Guided practice for all 23 tables, 900+ practice questions, and full worked answers.
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#MineralIdentification #Geology #EarthScience

20 Comments

@mikesammartano Creator 3 weeks ago Pinned

I created a 300+ page workbook covering all 23 tables in the new 2026 reference tables, this one included, with explained answers and over 900 practice questions total. On Amazon, link in the description. The full course is also free at MikeSammartano.com/science if you want to read ahead.

@knoxvillehermitfreemoviesm3625 7 years ago (edited)

Simple, direct, well-paced, no audio problems, no lighting problems. For beginners like me, this is definitely the most helpful identification video.

@roku4593 7 years ago

Is anyone here because of a identification test?

@lorip16 7 years ago

Am I the only one here because of science class?

@jarrodfritz3792 8 years ago

You just did in 8 minutes what my TA couldn't do in 30. Thank you!

@hassy277 6 years ago

i was watching this out loud so everyone got suspicious when he kept saying cleavage

@sistershook5719 7 years ago

Who else is here bacause you actually like minerals and want to learn more about them not because of science

@sherrsam 8 years ago

This was really helpful. I used it with my 4th grade homeschooler and she was able to understand it more than I thought she would.

@lazyburberry7183 8 years ago

OMG UR A LIFE SAVER!!!!! i had to do a rocks and minerals test and i got ALL OF THEM CORRECT!!! THANK U!! :3

@sirajahmad4661 6 years ago

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@sheyodaAKAshedevil 3 years ago

I signed up beacuse of the name of the channel but the information provided is outstanding!!

@ruthhernandez1496 9 years ago

Really helpful, I understood everything and I'm able to identify minerals! (:

@rudylimjoco1229 7 years ago

Very educational & i learn so much bout minerals . Very interesting topic , thanks for sharing us your knowledge . Looking forward for more video like this .