Mineral Density Calculator
This calculator uses the fundamental density equation (density = mass / volume) to find any one of three quantities when the other two are known. Mineral density, also called specific gravity when referenced to water, is a key diagnostic property used by geologists and mineralogists to identify unknown specimens. Common minerals range from 1.6 g/cm3 for some clays to over 19 g/cm3 for native gold.
Density formula
Density (rho) = Mass (m) / Volume (V)
Units: density in g/cm3, mass in grams, volume in cm3. Specific gravity is numerically equal to density when measured in g/cm3 (relative to water at 4 degrees Celsius).
Common mineral densities (USGS data)
| Mineral | Density (g/cm3) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | 2.65 | Most common crustal mineral |
| Calcite | 2.71 | Limestone component |
| Feldspar | 2.56-2.76 | Varies by composition |
| Pyrite | 5.01 | Iron sulfide, fool's gold |
| Magnetite | 5.17 | Iron oxide, magnetic |
| Gold (native) | 19.30 | Highest density native metal |
Mineral density calculator: frequently asked questions
What is mineral density?
Mineral density is the mass per unit volume of a mineral, typically expressed in grams per cubic centimetre (g/cm3). It is a fundamental physical property used in mineral identification and geological analysis.
How is mineral density calculated?
Density = Mass / Volume. For example, quartz with a mass of 26.5 grams and a volume of 10 cm3 has a density of 2.65 g/cm3, which matches the known density of quartz.
What is specific gravity and how does it relate to density?
Specific gravity is the ratio of a mineral's density to the density of water (1.00 g/cm3 at 4 degrees Celsius). For minerals measured in g/cm3, the specific gravity value equals the density value numerically.
Why is density important in mineral identification?
Density is a key diagnostic property because it reflects a mineral's chemical composition and crystal structure. For example, gold has a density of 19.3 g/cm3, making it easy to distinguish from fool's gold (pyrite, 5.0 g/cm3).
How can I measure a mineral's volume?
Volume can be measured by water displacement (Archimedes' principle): submerge the mineral in water and measure the volume of water displaced. For regular geometric shapes, use length x width x height for cubic shapes or the relevant geometric formula.
Official sources
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Resources Program: USGS Minerals Information.
- Mineralogical Society of America: MSA Reference Data.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.