Rock Identifier
Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel) (Cupronickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)) — mineral (processed alloy)
mineral (processed alloy)

Buffalo Nickel (Indian Head Nickel)

Cupronickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)

Hardness: 4.5-5.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Dull silver/grey, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Face-centered cubic (FCC), Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 8.8-8.9

Hardness
4
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Physical properties

Hardness: 4.5-5.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Dull silver/grey, Luster: Metallic, Crystal Structure: Face-centered cubic (FCC), Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 8.8-8.9

Formation & geological history

Metallurgical smelting and minting process; specifically minted between 1913 and 1938 in the United States.

Uses & applications

Historical legal tender/currency; currently used for numismatic collecting and silver/nickel jewelry insets.

Geological facts

Designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser, featuring a composite profile of three Native American chiefs on the obverse and an American bison (Black Diamond) on the reverse.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the 'Indian Head' obverse and bison reverse. Found in coin collections, antique shops, or via metal detecting near historical sites. Common specimens often have 'dateless' or heavily worn surfaces.

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Gold (10K Alloy)

Aurum (Au) with alloying metals (Cu, Ag, Zn)

mineral
Metal Chain Belt with Square Plates (Not applicable (man-made)) — Man-made Object (Metalwork)

Metal Chain Belt with Square Plates

Not applicable (man-made)

Man-made Object (Metalwork)
Metal Alloy (Likely Pewter or Sterling Silver) (Not a natural geological specimen; composed of refined metals. If pewter, it's a tin-based alloy. If sterling silver, it's 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper).) — Man-made material (metal)

Metal Alloy (Likely Pewter or Sterling Silver)

Not a natural geological specimen; composed of refined metals. If pewter, it's a tin-based alloy. If sterling silver, it's 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper).

Man-made material (metal)
Metal Chain (Likely Steel or a Steel Alloy) (Steel (primarily iron and carbon); specific alloy unknown) — Man-made Object (Metal/Alloy)

Metal Chain (Likely Steel or a Steel Alloy)

Steel (primarily iron and carbon); specific alloy unknown

Man-made Object (Metal/Alloy)
Man-made Metal Pin (Non-geological) (Antimony-Lead Alloy or Zinc/Brass Base with Electroplating) — Metal Alloy / Manufactured Artifact

Man-made Metal Pin (Non-geological)

Antimony-Lead Alloy or Zinc/Brass Base with Electroplating

Metal Alloy / Manufactured Artifact
Metal Alloy (Jewelry) (Not a naturally occurring rock or mineral; likely a metal alloy for jewelry. Possible compositions include sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper), or other silver/gold alloys.) — Man-made Material (jewelry, metal alloy)

Metal Alloy (Jewelry)

Not a naturally occurring rock or mineral; likely a metal alloy for jewelry. Possible compositions include sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper), or other silver/gold alloys.

Man-made Material (jewelry, metal alloy)