Minerals Assignment

Dr. Pamela Gore
Georgia Perimeter College

Objectives

1. Identify minerals using their physical and chemical properties.
2. List the physical properties used to identify minerals.
3. List the chemical properties used to identify minerals.

It would be best if this lab exercise could be done when the class has assembled for a meeting under the direction of the course leader. This lab could be done at the first meeting, or at one of the other scheduled meeting times.

Getting started:

1. Read your web course notes.

2. Read Chapter 1 in your textbook, p. 17 - 33.

3. Read Exercise 1 in your lab manual, p. 3 - 18.

You may write in the lab manual, tear out the pages and turn them in, or you may xerox the pages and turn them in. If you work with a group, each person should turn in their own work. Do not turn in a xerox of someone else's work.

It is best to work in pencil because you will do a lot of erasing.

To do this exercise, you will need:

1. Ward's "Know Your Minerals" Collection

2. Ward's Rock and Mineral Test Kit

3. Hopefully you will have access to dilute hydrochloric acid from your school chemistry lab. Or you may purchase a small container of muriatic acid at a hardware store. You will need to follow any warnings or directions on the package. This is acid. It will burn through your clothing and can injure your skin or eyes. We recommend that you use safety goggles and latex or vinyl gloves when dealing with hydrochloric or muriatic acid.

   Alternatively, you can work with your course leader and he or she should be able to tell you which of the samples will react with hydrochloric acid.

Follow the instructions with your mineral collection to test and identify your unknown samples. Write your mineral property data in the table on page 13 in your lab manual.

Work through Exercise 1, answering the questions, using the samples in your mineral collection.
For question 7 dealing with streak, check the metallic or submetallic minerals first.

Skip question 8. We will not be growing crystals.

For question 10, examine figure 1.6 and answer the question.

Skip question 11.

Answer questions 12 - 20. You will need to use the mineral identification keys on p. 14 -15.

Answer questions 21 - 23 using the internet.

For review, please answer the summary page on The Study of Minerals on p. 17-18.

Optional (if a metric balance and a graduated cylinder are available):
In the lab manual, p. 340-341, read the section on determining density and specific gravity.
This is an exercise that you will be able to do in your classroom with your students.

Turn the answers to these questions in to your course leader. Please check with your course leader to see the best way to do this. Options include fax, US postage, e-mail attachment, dropping them off in person, etc. Please keep a copy for yourself. This is good "insurance" in case things get lot in the mail, or in case you need to study your answers before your graded paper is returned.

Note:

If you would like to number your samples, a good way to do it is to type numbers on a page (or use the computer to do this in a very small font such as 8), and then take a hole punch and punch out the number. Use Elmer's glue to apply the number to a corner of the sample on the worst looking side. Do not cover up the best looking side of the sample.

Return to Earth & Space Science page

Return to Georgia Geoscience Online

Copyright 2000 Pamela J.W. Gore

Page created by Pamela J. W. Gore
Georgia Perimeter College,
Clarkston, GA

May 30, 2000
Updated June 14, 2001