American Educational Hardness Collection with Test Kit

I got tired of the mixed-up, jumbled up, tiny-sample test kits in the Geology Labs, so I invested in my own. This is *way* better than the Geology Lab kits! The samples are nice and chunky--about an inch in length and usually an inch at their widest point. The nail is sturdy, about two and a half inches. The glass and porcelain plates are two inches by one inch. It comes with its own penny but, unfortunately, doesn't come with a magnet. It has the requisite information sheet and comes in a nice, sturdy cardboard box. The numbers on each sample are printed on paper, so while they may come off, they are easily replaced should you wish to do so.The rumor is the classroom kits (which aren't as nice) cost more than this one.

Purchased this as a gift for an 11 year old and was very pleased with it. The samples are an adequate size to interact with and the hardness testing objects are a good addition. The recipient thinks it is a very good set and is very pleased as well. At this reasonable price I would recommend this for any kids interested in rocks and for anyone teaching some earth science to their kids.

Useful kit for the new rockhound to learn how to identify minerals based on the hardness scale. Compact so the collector could take in the field while collecting specimens. Basic tool for the mineral and rock enthusiast . Would have like to seen it packaged in a plastic box to make it more sturdy for field use.

This is a nice kit, but mine did not include a streak plate, which was the main purpose for purchasing this kit. Now I have to purchase one separately. I took it apart to see if it slipped underneath anything, but it did not. It just wasn't there.

I used this several of these kits for a geology class. They arrived quickly and in perfect condition. The kit was easy to use and the samples were a good size (over an inch). They were labeled nicely and the included hardness testers were great. I also used hand lenses, microscopes, magnets and HCl for testing. The kids were thoroughly engaged. Just note that the glass slide and scratch plate don't fit int he cubicles of the box as shown, when closes. Not a big problem. The documentation was basic, but experiments and lessons are plentiful on the web. Very happy with the purchase.

Avoid purchasing this if it is being shipped from Forestry Suppliers, INC. The minerals are not accurate. The corundrum, which should be a hardness of 9 can be scratched by most other stones in the kit. The talc and the gypsum were mislabeled and switched. Looks nice on the surface, but once we went to use it we discovered it is sadly an inauthentic kit.

This kit has saved me from wasting money on black glass sold as black quartz. I used this kit to identify a balck glass "crystal point" that was being sold as rare black quartz. When I used the scratch test I was able to determine the "stone" had a hardness equal to that of glass which is much softer than quartzite. I was able to get a refund from the seller who lied in their auction and is selling black glass as quartz on ebay. This is a wonderful little learning tool and for me a money saving kit. would buy again.

The product is of great quality and value. It was exactly as described and the service was prompt. I like this product because it makes a great tool to easily demonstrate the various levels of hardness of these minerals and the damage it can cause. I enjoy doing the scratch test and comparing results.