How to Identify a Mineral by a Specific Gravity Test (Topaz Vs. Quartz)

This a demonstration on how to identify a mineral using specific gravity alone. It doesn't matter how small or large the specimen is, as long as its relatively free of inclusions and doesn't contain parts of other minerals. In this video, the emphasis is on differentiating quartz from topaz where I also share a couple other fun facts about topaz.
TLDR/TLDW:
1. Ensure your sample is pretty pure (no combinations of minerals).
2. Weigh the sample on a scale accurate to at least 0.01g.
3. Place a small container of water on the scale and zero it (tare).
4. Use fishing line to suspend the sample and submerge it in the container (don't touch the bottom or walls) and record the weight.
5. Divide the dry weight of the sample by the weight of that sample submerged in the container.
6.Google the specific gravity of your suspect(s) and compare.

[@to-kt9og]

Useful video sir

[@T647jg]

The only video on youtube thanks

[@TebogoNcongwane]

❤

[@thenikhilkukreja]

Sir i also rockhound do you like to see my specimens sir i have very rare peach/pink pectolite crystals

[@nwbauer91]

It feels so wrong to be throwing rocks in the trash

[@fabiancurto6484]

How much water I need or is not an specific amount?

[@EverythingIsSpirit]

You can use any amount of water but for the highest accuracy, I recommend using as small of a container as possible.

[@cabiresin6060]

👌👌👌

[@thenikhilkukreja]

Sir how you stick that thread to topaz and quartz

[@EverythingIsSpirit]

I tried to use glue at first because it is hard to get the thread around the tiny pieces. But glue would not stick. I like to find the smallest gauge of fishing line. When the thread is very thin, it is easier to tie a knot around the crystal. The diameter of the fishing line I use is 0.20mm, it takes a little time to get the knot.

[@thenikhilkukreja]

@@EverythingIsSpirit thanks sir

[@gemstonemylove8416]

How to check quartz and some white Beryl both are same s.g near by 👍

[@EverythingIsSpirit]

That's a great question. I would still recommend performing an s.g. test on the potential goshenite since it can range up to 2.80g/cm³ while quartz is right around 2.65g/cm³. If your balance/scale is precise, you may be able to see this small difference in s.g.
Additionally, goshenite is up to an order of magnitude harder than quartz. Numerically, goshenite or white beryl is 5-10x harder. Take a piece of quartz and use a sharp side of it to try to scratch the surface of the goshenite. Press down very hard. You may need to use magnification to see if you scratched the surface. Then reverse the minerals and see if you can scratch the other. I just performed this test to confirm what I am telling you. I used a piece of aquamarine (same hardness as goshenite) and scratched a piece of quartz barely by presing hard. I was not able to scratch the aquamarine with the quartz though.
Finally, use a shortwave or longwave ultraviolet light to check for fluorescence. Sometime quartz contains inclusions that caused it to fluoresce. On the other hand, it is extremely rare for goshenite to fluoresce.

[@EverythingIsSpirit]

I have created a video to show how you can use a specific gravity test to distinguish your quartz from beryl. Here's a link: th-cam.com/video/cYjJrZEFJn8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=OUgv0s-p6qtct7Tf