Helen's post in the other thread gave me an idea: we could label ourselves as whatever kind of mineral, gemstone, or jewel we think we are, and say why. Stales, I'd be particularly interested in yours; yours and our beloved Chief's (hint!). Duplicates will be fine, because the reasons won't be the same.
I'll start, by saying that I am like mica--and no, I am not a flake! I am fairly easy to see through; not especially hard; and I lose pieces of myself very readily, some of which are taken away with great care, and some of which are dropped on the hard, cold ground.