Objective: To be able to identify minerals by collecting physical and chemical properties.
Questions:
1. Why is the color of a mineral not a reliable method of identification?
2. Why is the streak more reliable for mineral identification?
3. What is a diagnostic property and why is it useful for mineral
identification?
4. Can most minerals be identified by just a single physical property?
5. Why should the hardness test always be performed beginning from the
"soft" end?
6. What happens when two substances of similar hardness are ground together?
7. Why is the acid reaction test of limited value?
Introduction to Mineral Identification
You will be introduced to the definitions and descriptions of various
physical properties measured in minerals, including: hardness, color, streak,
luster, cleavage, acid reaction, specific gravity, etc., and you will see
a demonstration on how to use simple laboratory equipment to perform these
tests. You will be assigned a set of 5 different mineral specimens. Using
the test equipment and the correct technique, test for each of the physical
characteristics in all 5 specimens, and fill in each data column in the
table below. (Tip: Fill out the table vertically in columns,
not across in rows - this way, you will practice your laboratory technique
for each type of test.) After you have listed the properties, consult
the mineral identification tables booklet and identify each mineral. Check
with your instructor when you have finished.
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