Volunteering at a local quarry taught me that cleavage identification is overrated for beginners

I often see new rockhounds stressed about perfectly identifying cleavage in minerals, but I think it's an unnecessary hurdle. During my time documenting specimens at a small quarry, I learned to prioritize luster and hardness for quick field assessments. For example, distinguishing calcite from quartz became easier by focusing on how light reflects rather than cleavage angles. This approach sped up my cataloging and reduced errors in initial classifications. While cleavage has its place in advanced study, emphasizing it too early can discourage newcomers. We should simplify introductory geology to build confidence first.

6 comments

6 Comments

jenkins.hayden6h ago

nguyen.angela's mention of blushing at 'cleavage' takes me back to a university field trip where our professor earnestly discussed 'schist' for an hour. We were mapping a shear zone, and he kept emphasizing the 'foliation' with such intensity that a few students completely lost their composure. He finally stopped and said with a sigh that we needed to RESPECT the terminology, but the damage was done for the day. Now whenever I hear those terms in public, I have to actively remember the actual geologic concepts behind them. It's a constant battle between professional knowledge and the lingering silliness of wordplay.

nguyen.angela10h ago

Blush every time I hear 'cleavage'... thanks, geology.

zarak468h ago

I mean, "thanks, geology" is too real. I still giggle like a teenager when it comes up in conversation, idk maybe it's just me but that word is forever ruined.

the_tyler6h ago

Actually, cleavage can be a quick diagnostic tool even for novices. Noticing how a mineral breaks along planes often reveals its identity faster than testing hardness. Simplifying is fine, but some basics like cleavage are worth learning early to avoid later confusion.

adams.ray1h ago

A buddy of mine failed a mineral identification quiz because he mixed up cleavage and fracture. The TA had glossed over it, saying we'd pick it up later, but my friend mislabeled mica as having conchoidal fracture. He spent extra time in lab the next week practicing on calcite samples to get it right. That early confusion cost him points but made him meticulous about cleavage planes now.

robinf323h ago

Back in my intro to geology class at Mesa Community College, our professor spent a whole lecture on cleavage and fracture, and half the room was trying not to laugh the entire time. I completely agree that overemphasizing cleavage early on can just add unnecessary stress, especially when newcomers are already grappling with the jargon. We had a lab where we had to identify minerals based on cleavage, and I remember my partner whispering jokes every time the TA said 'perfect cleavage'. It totally undermined the lesson because we were more focused on stifling giggles than learning the actual concepts. Starting with luster and hardness, like the original post says, makes so much more sense for building a solid foundation without the distractions.