3.7E| Lab Exercise: Identifying Common Rock-Forming Minerals

Prompt

In this lab exercise, you will explore the various characteristics (physical properties) of minerals, such as luster, color, streak, hardness, crystal form, and cleavage, and then apply them to identify some of the most common rock-forming minerals.

Instructions 

1. Watch the two videos below, which contain background information needed for completing this lab exercise: 
   1. minerals discussion video 1  
   2. minerals discussion video 2 
2. Apply what you've learned from the assigned readings and lecture videos to help you accurately answer the questions in this exercise.
3. Use the mineral identification flowcharts from the previous exercise and the mineral identification tables. 
4. Open the Mineral Identification Video in a new tab (right-click on the link and select "Open link in new tab"). You'll use the minerals shown in the video to answer the questions in this exercise. 
   1. You could also use the photo library of the minerals. Note the description for each mineral in the lower left corner. 

You have 2 attempts and no time limit. If you miss any on your first attempt be sure to check the correct answers and redo this assignment so you better learn to identify these minerals. 

Time Needed 

90-120 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