Glg220 Wk 1 Mineral Identification Wksht

Part 1: Recording Observations

In the chart below, record your observations of each test for the seven minerals. After you have completed all tests, name the minerals in Part 2 of this worksheet. An example of how to fill out the chart is illustrated below.

Recorded Observations for Minerals 1–7
Tests Example Mineral 1 Mineral 2 Mineral 3 Mineral 4 Mineral 5 Mineral 6 Mineral 7
Color White Gold Green White Pink White White Black
Streak White Black White White White White White Brown
Luster Shiny Shiny Specs Shiny Specs Shiny Dull Shiny Shiny Shiny Specs
Specific Gravity 3.18 5.1 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.65 2.4 2.2
Cleavage & Fracture Cleavage Fracture Fracture Cleavage Fracture Fracture Cleavage Fracture
Hardness 4 3.1-5.4 1-2.9 1-2.9 3.1-5.4 6.1-10 1-2.9 1-2.9
Acid No Reaction No Reaction No Reaction Active Bubbling & Fizz No Reaction No Reaction No Reaction Light Bubbling & Fizz

Part 2: Naming the Minerals

Name the minerals below. Then, insert a percentage of how certain you are in your identification. Finally, explain your percentage of certainty: What was confusing about this mineral? What other minerals do you think it could be?

Remember, the minerals in the virtual lab include seven of the following: borax, calcite, corundum, graphite, gypsum, orthoclase feldspar, pyrite, quartz, talc, and topaz.

Identification of Mineral Percent Certain Explanation of Certainty
Example: Fluorite 80% certain I am almost certain this mineral is fluorite, but I am not completely sure. Fluorite and gypsum are both white, shiny, have white streaks, cleave, and show no reaction to acid. However, the specific gravity of this mineral is 3.18, which is higher than gypsum, so I am pretty sure it is fluorite.
Mineral 1: Pyrite 100% I am certain this mineral is pyrite because it is the only mineral listed on mineral identification worksheet that has a gold color with a black streak. This mineral has shiny specks which matches the luster according to the mineral