Activity 3D: Mineral Identification
- Due Jan 17, 2021 by 11:59pm
- Points 20
- Submitting a file upload
- Available after Jan 11, 2021 at 12am
Mineral Identification
Download and complete this fillable PDF Download fillable PDF. You will need access to Acrobat Reader (free!) to access the file. Once the file is downloaded, name and save the file in the following format, LastName_FirstName_AssignmentTitle. Once completed, upload your file to this assignment. You will also find the assignment text below.
Procedure: How to Fill Out the Mineral Identification Chart
- Sample number: Use the Mineral Index Download Mineral Index to find the corresponding sample number.
- Color & Clarity: What is the outward color of the mineral? What is the clarity of the mineral?
- Luster: Does the sample exhibit metallic or non-metallic luster? If it has a non-metallic luster can a more descriptive term be applied, for example, glassy, waxy, pearly, etc.
- Crystal form: If present, describe the crystal form. Rhombohedron, dodecahedron, hexagonal, etc.
- Streak: What color is the streak?
- Hardness: What is the approximate hardness? Using less than (<) or greater than (>) symbols with the common tools on the Mohs scale can be helpful here.
- Breakage: What breakage does the sample exhibit? Does it have fracture or cleavage? If the sample has cleavage, describe the number of planes and the degree of intersection.
- Other properties: Does the sample have any other or unique properties? Consider heft, feel, tenacity, effervescence, magnetism, taste, smell, fluorescence.
Then, use the Mineral Appendix or the online Mineral Identification Key Links to an external site. to identify the mineral.
Extra Help for Select Minerals:
Mineral 6 effervescing in vinegar/weak acid:
Mineral 7 effervescing weakly in vinegar/weak acid:
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