My stubborn calcite vein took 3 whole days to map right because I kept mixing it up with the quartz next to it.

I had to re-check my field notes from the Arizona site and use a fresh bottle of acid to finally be sure, so has anyone else had a simple ID turn into a huge time sink?

2 comments

2 Comments

alice_mitchell11d ago

Yeah, that acid test is the only thing that really works for me with calcite versus quartz in the field. I started carrying a small dropper bottle of vinegar as a quick check before I even pull out the good acid. Saves a ton of time and you don't waste your main supply. Marking the vein with a different color tape in my notes helped too, just a visual cue so I stop second-guessing myself later.

loganthompson11d ago

Oh, that's a really smart system. I've ruined so many good acid bottles by using them on plain quartz just because I got unsure. The vinegar trick is clever, I'll have to try that. The tape idea is great too, anything to stop that mental loop of doubt when you're back at home.