[Rockhounds] Scapolite

[DonH]

Nathan Martin wrote:


> It is not so much "wishful identification" but using the best information
> available when you don't have access to a lab to do a more precise ID.

Hi,

Well I guess it's a matter of semantics--I include that under wishful 
ID.  If I don't know what it is, then I don't put a name on it.

Having spent time in the Franklin/Sterling Hill area, I have been 
subject to this more times than I can count; after which I developed the 
maxim: when presented with a mineral that is visually indistinct from 
both a common species and a similar rare species, the collector will 
invariably assign it the name of the rare species.

This often frustrates students who think just because I am a 
"mineralogist" I can sight-ID all 4,000+ species.  Upon seeing a rather 
bland and indistinct assemblage thrust in front of me and being asked 
"what is this?", my first response is usually "It's a rock."  Of course 
we work on it after that...

Don