Download Mineral Identification

Name _____________________________________
Lab # _________
MINERAL IDENTIFICATION
Introduction: There are over 3000 known minerals in the world, yet only a dozen or so
are commonly found. Most minerals contain oxygen and silicon since they are the two
most abundant elements in the earth’s crust. You can usually identify minerals on the
basis of their physical and chemical properties. Minerals can be identified based on color,
crystal structure, hardness, streak, luster and cleavage or fracture.
Objective: After you have completed this lab you should be able to describe each
mineral property and the tests associated with each property. You should be able to use
the flow chart on the back of the reference tables to identify minerals. You will be
expected to identify minerals on the Regents Exam therefore it is of utmost importance
that you fully understand this laboratory exercise.
Use your notes to define the following:
Mineral -
Luster -
Cleavage -
Fracture -
Streak -
Hardness -
Procedure - Start at any station. Use the porcelain plate to determine the streak. Use the
penny, glass, and your fingernail to determine the hardness. Since students are not
allowed to taste/eat minerals or pour acid on them, ask the instructor if the mineral tastes
like salt or react with acid. Please fill in the appropriate boxes for each mineral. Answer
the conclusion questions in complete sentences.
Station
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Luster
Metallic or Non
Hardness
(>5 or <5)
Cleavage or
Fracture
Color
Streak
Color or None
Uses
Mineral Name
QUESTIONS: ANSWER IN COMPLETE SENTENCES.
1. How did you determine if a mineral shows cleavage? Please state in your own words.
2. Is color a good way to identify all minerals? Explain your answer and give an example.
3. Why is streak used instead of color to identify minerals?
4. According to your reference tables, what are the four most abundant elements in the
Earth’s crust by mass and give their percentages.
5. How many minerals have been discovered? How many are commonly found?
6. Name the uses of three different minerals.
7. Describe how you used the penny, glass plate, and your fingernail to determine the
relative hardness of the minerals.
8. What mineral reacts with acid?
CONCLUSION: Describe (do not list) the physical properties you used to identify the
minerals. (example – Luster is how much light is reflected, very reflective = metallic)