Download Minerals and Rocks Rock and mineral quiz: Beginning of lab next

Geology 110
Fall 2005
Minerals and Rocks
Introduction
We would not exist without the rocks and soil we depend upon for ALL our needs including the food
we grow and the metals and minerals we use to make mp3 players. Rocks are made of minerals, and
minerals are important constituents of all soils. The primary purpose of this exercise is to introduce you
to 1) the physical properties of common rock-forming minerals, and 2) the description and classification
of common rocks.
Minerals
1. Read through the physical properties handout to get a feeling for some of the common tests used
to discriminate between the common rock-forming minerals. Also, refer to Chapter 3 in Press et
al. (2004).
2. There are six sets of 14 “unknown” minerals around the room. Using the physical properties
handouts, please fill in Table 1 (attached). Note that some properties may not apply to a
particular mineral. Once you have determined all the relevant physical properties of your
unknowns, name the mineral.
3. Many of these minerals occur in a wide range of items we use in our everyday lives. For three of
the minerals you described above, find a common industrial application and briefly describe
how it is used. Please e-mail your answers to me by next week’s lab
([email protected]).
Rocks
4. Carefully examine the handouts on naming igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Also, refer to Chapters 4, 5, 8, and 9 in Press et al. (2004).
5. Take some time to carefully examine the rock examples available to you around the room.
These rocks are keyed to your handouts. Try to decide why these rocks are classified the way
they are. That is, what are the characteristic features that distinguish one rock from another?
Also look at Table 3, where I give you examples of three rock descriptions.
6. With your group, choose three rocks from your collection gathered at the Little Chicago gravel
pit. Again, please consult with one of your instructors when choosing your rocks. For each
rock, write a complete description by filling in Table 2. Start with deciding what minerals make
up the rock; then focus on texture/cement. Once you have a complete description, name the
rock.
What we want from you: Tables 1 and 2, due at the end of this lab.
Question #3: Due at the beginning of lab next week.
Rock and mineral quiz: Beginning of lab next week!