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Name: ______________________________
Today’s Date: __________
Period: _____
Date Due: _________
Lab # _____ -Properties of Minerals
Introduction: Of some 3,000 known minerals, only about a dozen, called “common rock
forming minerals,” make up most of Earth’s crust. They are identified in the field with a
few simple physical tests and observations. This is possible because the physical
properties are remarkably constant in a mineral no matter how old it is or where it was
formed. In addition to physical tests, there are also some useful diagnostic chemical tests
which can be used in mineral identification.
Objective: You will identify mineral samples by their physical properties.
Vocabulary: Use your review book and notes to define the following words.
1.
Mineral - ______________________________________________________
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2. Crystal- _______________________________________________________
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3. Inorganic - _____________________________________________________
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4. Luster - _______________________________________________________
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5. Streak - ________________________________________________________
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6. Hardness - _____________________________________________________
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7. Cleavage - _____________________________________________________
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8. Fracture - ______________________________________________________
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Procedure:
1. Obtain minerals for mineral identification from your instructor.
2. Determine the properties for each of the minerals and record your observations
on the REPORT SHEET.
3. Find the names for each of the mineral samples using your REPORT SHEET
and the Earth Science Reference Tables.
Olivine
Sulfur
Sample
#
Hardness
Range
1
1-2
2
2.5
3
2-3
4
2.5
5
6
6
6.5
7
6.5
8
1
9
5.5-6.5
10
2
Word Bank
Mica
Graphite
Halite
Talc
Fracture or
Cleavage
Pyrite
Color
Orthoclase Feldspar
Magnetite
Galena
**Hardness has been fill in for you
Luster
Streak
Metallic or
Mineral Name
Nonmetallic
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the difference between cleavage and fracture?
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2. Why is color alone not a reliable means of identifying a mineral?
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3. Why is streak more reliable than color?
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4. What determines a minerals properties?
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5. What minerals can be identified by using acid?
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6. Which properties are the most useful in identifying minerals? (Pick at least two
properties) Why did you choose these properties?
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Science Lab Reflection
Directions: Construct a grammatically correct paragraph that demonstrates what you
have learned during this lab activity.
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Restate the problem
What did you do in class?
Define mineral
What gives a mineral its characteristics?
Name a physical property that is least helpful in identifying a mineral
and explain why?
How are minerals used in your everyday life? (hint use ESRT for ideas)
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