3.7D| Mineral Identification Exercise

In this activity, you will apply what you've learned about the physical properties of minerals to identify the name of some common minerals based on a picture of the mineral and some clues.

Instructions

Apply what you've learned from the assigned readings and lecture videos to help you accurately answer the questions in this exercise. Use the mineral identification flowcharts below and what you've learned from the assigned readings and lecture videos to help you complete this exercise. 

You must read the title and headings of the flowcharts and tables first, so you know where to look for your answers. Scroll to the bottom for an example to help you get started. After watching and carefully considering the lecture videos and completing the assigned reading, you should be ready to answer the following questions. Read each question carefully and choose the best answer to the question. There is no time limit for these questions. You have a maximum of 3 attempts.  

Read each question carefully and choose the best answer choice. If you have questions, please email or attend the study hall. You have three attempts and unlimited time.  

Time Needed 

30-45 minutes.

Learning Objectives

• Students can use physical properties to identify minerals and can explain mineral-forming processes
• Identify specific physical properties of minerals, i.e., hardness, cleavage, streak, heft, etc.
• Use chemical formulas to classify minerals into appropriate mineral groups

Mineral identification flow chart for metallic minerals 

Chart reading guidance

Consider the headings for the chart first, magnetism, color, streak, hardness, breakage, and possible minerals. If the mineral is magnetic then choose one path. If it isn't nonmagnetic then you have 4 options depending on the color of the mineral. After choosing the color, consider the color of the streak then the hardness, and finally the breakage. Assuming you've identified each of the properties correctly, you should arrive at the correct mineral. Please reach out to me if you're having trouble accessing this chart. 

Mineral identification flow chart for dark, nonmetallic minerals 

Chart reading guidance

Consider the headings for the chart first, hardness, breakage, color, other diagnostic properties, and possible minerals. First, consider the hardness. The hardness is relative to a penny and glass will dictate your path to the breakage column. From there, choose the color, and other diagnostic properties. Assuming you've identified each of the properties correctly, you should arrive at the correct mineral. Please reach out to me if you're having trouble accessing this chart. 

Mineral identification flow chart for light, nonmetallic minerals

Chart reading guidance

Consider the headings for the chart first, hardness, breakage, color, other diagnostic properties, and possible minerals. First, consider the hardness. The hardness is relative to a penny and glass will dictate your path to the breakage column. From there, choose the color, and other diagnostic properties. Assuming you've identified each of the properties correctly, you should arrive at the correct mineral. Please reach out to me if you're having trouble accessing this chart. 

Example 1.  Identify the mineral pictured below. Clues:
(a) it is light-colored and nonmetallic (hopefully, that's obvious from the picture)
(b) the mineral cannot be scratched with a fingernail but can be scratched with a penny (referring back to Mohs scale for hardness, this would give the mineral hardness of 3)
(c) it appears to show 3 planes of cleavage not at 90^o
(d) it will react with HCl acid

Considering its physical properties (clues) and its physical appearance, this mineral is calcite.