Wondering what kind of rock or stone you’ve found? You’re not alone. Identifying rocks can seem complicated, but with a few simple techniques, anyone can start recognizing common types.
In this beginner’s guide, you’ll learn how to identify rocks and stones based on appearance, texture, color, hardness, and more - plus, how to use our AI-powered photo-based tool for instant help.
How to identify rocks: key steps
Below is a step-by-step guide to identifying rocks using hands-on methods.
Observe the rock’s color and texture
Look for surface color - is it dark, light, speckled, or uniform?
Feel the texture: Is it smooth, grainy, glassy, or rough?
Color and texture offer the first clues to a rock’s identity.
Check for layers or grains
Sedimentary rocks often show layers or visible particles.
Igneous rocks might be crystalline or glass-like.
Metamorphic rocks tend to be banded or foliated.
Test the Rock’s hardness: use the mohs hardness scale:
Can it be scratched with your fingernail? (Hardness < 2.5)
Can it scratch glass? (Hardness > 5.5)
This helps narrow down the type of rock or mineral.
Look for Sparkles, Crystals, or Fossils
Sparkly crystals might suggest igneous or metamorphic origins.
Fossils are only found in sedimentary rocks.
Some rocks like granite contain visible crystals of quartz and feldspar.
Try the Streak test
Rub the rock on an unglazed ceramic tile.
The color of the streak can help identify mineral content.
Or… Use a Rock Identifier tool (the easy way)
If you don’t want to perform physical tests or you’re unsure where to start, try our free photo-based rock and stone identifier tool.
Just upload a photo, and our AI will tell you what kind of rock or stone it is — instantly.
No sign-up
No app required
Works on rocks, stones, crystals, and minerals