How to Identify Halides

Perform the Beilstein test for halogens, named after Russian chemist Friedrich Konrad Beilstein . Heat a copper wire and drip the liquid or place the solid mineral on the wire. Once the compound begins to burn, you will notice smoke as it emits in the air. If the smoke is green, you can be sure the mineral or liquid consists of halogen, and thus is a halide.

Place the mineral in question in the glass of water to determine solubility. For a solid rock, break away tiny pieces to place in the water. For the liquid, simply pour it. Stir with the spoon for approximately 30 seconds, by which time you should notice the material either disappearing or remaining the same. If the mineral has dissipated, it is not a halide.

Examine the color of the rock. Solid halides, such as sylvite and halite, are found naturally with a translucent appearance. Sometimes you will find a slightly tinted halide, possibly of pink or blue tone, yet the rock will still be translucent to the eye.

Notice the structural properties of halide. See the crystalline formation that makes up the structure of numerous halide salts. See the symmetrical, cube-like shape of organic halides such as halite and fluorite. With alkyl halides, one can expect a salt-like formation with crystals and diverse particles. With organic halides, you will find organized shapes with straight, clean edges.