week 1 mineral identification

September 28, 2014
GLG 101

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
Has shiny specs
Shiny
Dull
Dull
Pearly
Shiny
Shiny
Specific Gravity
3.18
5.1
2.80
2.70
2.60
2.65
2.40
2.20
Cleavage & Fracture
Cleavage
Has fracture
Fracture
Cleavage
Fracture
Fracture
Cleavage
Fracture
Hardness
4
Abt. 7
3.1-5.4
1
6
7
2
2
Acid
No Reaction
No Reaction
No Reaction
Active Bubbling and Fizz
No Reaction
No Reaction
No Reaction
No Reaction

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
80% certain
I am almost sure that this mineral is pyrite because it is gold and has a black streak. The only thinks that do not match up is the specific