Download Introduction to rocks and minerals lab

Name_____________________________________________________Period________
Introduction to Rocks and Minerals Lab
Part 1 – Introduction to rocks
1. Write down some similarities and differences between the rocks on the table.
Similarities
Differences
2. From our discussion, what are some of the things that these rocks can tell us about the past?
a. Shale
b. Granite
c. Limestone
Minerals make up rocks. Minerals are important for scientists to understand because they help us understand how
rocks formed, which tells us something about the past history of the earth. This information helps us to find
valuable resources such as gold, silver, and crude oil.
Part 2 – Minerals make up rocks
3. Observe the 4 minerals and write down 3 – 4 observations about each one.
Mineral #1
Mineral #2
Mineral #3
Mineral #4
4. These four minerals are called Quartz, K-feldspar, Plagioclase feldspar, and biotite. Label them above with
help from your teacher.
5. Draw a small diagram of the piece of granite. Try to determine where each mineral is in the granite and
then label it on your diagram. If you have trouble finding them ask Mr. Jolley. Make sure everyone in your
group gets a chance to see them.
6. For each mineral you need to describe the physical properties. Use the internet on your phone or an iPad to
look up the properties. Organize your information in the table below.
Property used to describe
Quartz
K-feldspar
Plagioclase
Biotite
and identify mineral.
feldspar
Hardness – should be a number
between 1 and 10
Density
Color
Property used to describe
and identify mineral.
Luster – this describes how it
reflects light
Cleavage or Fracture –
describes how it breaks
Quartz
K-feldspar
Plagioclase
feldspar
Biotite
Crystal Shape – you can draw
this or write the name.
7. Imagine that you have been given samples of the ten minerals listed in the Mohs Hardness Scale. However,
instead of being labeled by name, the samples are labeled only with code letters. Use the clue and chart to
determine the identity of each mineral. Then right your results in Table 1. Remember that if a mineral
scratches another mineral, then it is harder than that mineral. If it gets scratched, then it is softer.
Clues:
Mohs Hardness Scale
Table 1
1) Mineral A scratches minerals E and I, but it
Mineral
Hardness
Code letter Mineral Name
can be scratched by mineral J
Talc
1
A
2)
Mineral C can be scratched by every other
Gypsum
2
B
mineral.
Calcite
3
C
3) Mineral E can scratch mineral I.
Flourite
4
D
4) Mineral F can scratch only mineral C.
Apatite
5
E
5) Mineral B can scratch mineral F, but all other
Feldspar
6
F
minerals can scratch it.
Quartz
7
G
6) Mineral H can scratch every other mineral.
Topaz
8
H
7) Mineral D can be scratched only by mineral H.
Corundum
9
I
8) Mineral G can be scratched by minerals H and
Diamond
10
J
D; it can scratch mineral J.
Part 3 – Rock Candy
To make rock candy, you dissolve a lot of sugar in hot water, and then let it slowly crystallize over a couple of
weeks. Answer the questions that follow from our discussion in class.
8. Describe how the crystallization of minerals happens.
9. What are two ways that minerals can form crystals?
Mastery Check Questions
1. How are rocks and minerals related?
2. How can you tell if one mineral is harder or softer than another?
3. What is luster? Give examples of luster.
4. Define cleavage and fracture of minerals.
Name_____________________________________________________Period________
Introduction to Rocks and Minerals Lab – Make-up assignment
Part 1 – Introduction to rocks
1. Do a Google image search for “Rocks”. Look at the pictures and write down some similarities and
differences between the rocks you see.
Similarities
Differences
2. Using the internet, research what each of the following rocks tell us about Earth’s past environment.
a. Shale
b. Granite
c. Limestone
Minerals make up rocks. Minerals are important for scientists to understand because they help us understand how
rocks formed, which tells us something about the past history of the earth. This information helps us to find
valuable resources such as gold, silver, and crude oil.
Part 2 – Minerals make up rocks
3. Find images of each mineral on the internet. Write down 3 – 4 observations about each one.
Quartz
K-Feldspar
Plagioclase feldspar
Biotite
4. Now find an image of a piece of granite. Try to determine where each of the minerals above is in the
granite. Draw a quick sketch of the granite and label each mineral.
5. For each mineral you need to describe the physical properties. Use the internet to look up the properties.
Organize your information in the table below.
Property used to describe
Quartz
K-feldspar
Plagioclase
Biotite
and identify mineral.
feldspar
Hardness – should be a number
between 1 and 10
Density
Color
Property used to describe
and identify mineral.
Luster – this describes how it
reflects light
Streak – the color it leaves
when you scratch it on a plate
Quartz
K-feldspar
Plagioclase
feldspar
Biotite
Cleavage or Fracture –
describes how it breaks
Crystal Shape – you can draw
this or write the name.
6. Imagine that you have been given samples of the ten minerals listed in the Mohs Hardness Scale. However,
instead of being labeled by name, the samples are labeled only with code letters. Use the clue and chart to
determine the identity of each mineral. Then right your results in Table 1. Remember that if a mineral
scratches another mineral, then it is harder than that mineral. If it gets scratched, then it is softer.
Clues:
Mohs Hardness Scale
Table 1
9) Mineral A scratches minerals E and I, but it
Mineral
Hardness
Code letter Mineral Name
can be scratched by mineral J
Talc
1
A
10)
Mineral C can be scratched by every other
Gypsum
2
B
mineral.
Calcite
3
C
11) Mineral E can scratch mineral I.
Flourite
4
D
12) Mineral F can scratch only mineral C.
Apatite
5
E
13) Mineral B can scratch mineral F, but all other
Feldspar
6
F
minerals can scratch it.
Quartz
7
G
14) Mineral H can scratch every other mineral.
Topaz
8
H
15) Mineral D can be scratched only by mineral H.
Corundum
9
I
16) Mineral G can be scratched by minerals H and
Diamond
10
J
D; it can scratch mineral J.