When a sample is introduced into the RRUFF™ Project database, regardless of how confident the donor or staff may be, the status is unconfirmed until backed by corroborating evidence from chemical analysis and single crystal or powder X-ray diffraction.

Until the identification is confirmed, the mineral name associated with the sample is subject to change. For example: what is given to us as grossular, may be proven by chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction to be almandine. The status line in the top portion of each sample detail screen is our way of communicating whether or not we are certain of the identity of the mineral.

Status Explained:

The identification of this mineral is confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis
This sample has been analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and unit cell parameters have been determined. Chemical analysis has been used to determine a chemical composition. Unit cell parameters and chemical formula match those reported in the literature for this mineral. Raman spectra from the fragment that was X-rayed match the posted spectra. Identity is very certain.

The identification of this mineral has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis
A small portion of this sample has been powdered and X-rayed to determine the unit cell parameters. Chemical analysis has been used to determine a chemical composition. Unit cell parameters, powder diffraction profile, and chemical formula match those reported in the literature for this mineral. Identity is very certain.

The identification of this mineral has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction
This sample has been analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and unit cell parameters have been determined. These cell parameters provide identification with little ambiguity. The sample awaits chemical analysis to remove all doubts. Identity is fairly certain.

The identification of this mineral has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction
A small portion of this sample has been powdered and X-rayed. Unit cell parameters, and powder diffraction profile provide identification with little ambiguity. The sample awaits chemical analysis to remove all doubts. Identity is fairly certain.

The identification of this mineral has been determined only by Raman spectroscopy
The collected Raman pattern strongly matches that of a confirmed sample of the same name. The sample identity has not been independently confirmed with X-ray diffraction and chemical analysis. It is likely that no further test will be conducted on this sample. Identity is fairly certain.

The identification of this mineral has been confirmed only by single crystal X-ray diffraction
This sample has been analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and unit cell parameters have been determined. The identification of the mineral cannot be made with certainty from these cell parameters; however, it can be said that the mineral is likely to be structurally similar. Chemistry is required for positive identification. Group identity is fairly certain, but confidence of the unique mineral identity is only moderate.

The identification of this mineral has been confirmed only by X-ray diffraction
A small portion of this sample has been powdered and X-rayed. Unit cell parameters, and powder diffraction profile are consistent with those reported in the literature for this mineral. The identification of the mineral cannot be made with certainty from these cell parameters; however, it can be said that the mineral is likely to be structurally similar. Chemistry is required for positive identification. Group identity is fairly certain, but confidence of the unique mineral identity is only moderate.

The identification of this mineral has been confirmed only by chemical analysis
Chemical analysis has been used to determine a chemical composition. X-ray diffraction is required for positive identification. Identity is moderate at best.

The identification of this mineral is not yet confirmed
No analysis has yet been completed that can confirm the identity of the mineral sample.