Rock And Mineral Identification Lab - Science Lab Report Template Page 4
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4Mineral Physical Properties Chart
PHYSICAL
Definition*
Testing Method
PROPERTY
Examine the mineral for areas where the mineral is
Breakage of a mineral
broken. Look for areas where the light reflects from
Cleavage
along planes of weakness
planar surfaces. This can be easily confused with a
in the crystal structure.
crystal face and is the most difficult properties for
students to master.
Visible light spectrum
Look at the sample and determine its color - white,
Color
radiation reflected from a
black, green, clear, etc.
mineral.
Examine and describe the geometric shape of the
Geometric shape of a
Crystal Form
mineral - cubic, hexagonal, etc. Not commonly seen
crystal or mineral.
in most introductory lab samples.
Breakage of a mineral,
Examine the mineral for areas where the mineral is
not along planes of
Fracture
broken. Describe the breakage as either irregular or
weakness in the crystral
conchoidal (has the appearance of broken glass)
structure.
Use minerals of known hardness from the Mohs
Hardness Kits. Scratch the unknown mineral with a
Resistance to scratching
known hardness to determine which mineral is
Hardness
or abrasion.
harder. Continue doing this with harder or softer
minerals from the kit until the hardness is
determined.
Look at the sample to determine if the mineral is
Character of the light
Luster
metallic in appearance (looks like a chunk of metal)
reflected by a mineral.
or non-metallic (doesn't look like a chunk of metal).
Electromagnetic force
Use a magnet to determine if the magnet is attracted
Magnetism
generated by an object or
to the sample.
electrical field.
Chemical interaction of
Place one small drop of HCl on a sample a watch for
Reaction to
hydrochloric acid and
a reaction - effervesces (bubbles).
calcium carbonate
HCl
Click here to see an short animation (351 Kb)
(CaCO
).
3
Ratio of the mass of a
Generally not determined in an introductory lab. Look
Specific
mineral to the mass of an
this information up in your lab manual once the
Gravity
equal volume of water.
mineral has been identified.
Grind a small amount of a mineral into a powder on a
Color of the mineral when
Streak
porcelain streak plate and determine the color of the
it is powdered.
powder.
Nerve ending reaction in
Lick the mineral. (not recommended in an
Taste
the tongue to different
introductory lab - you don't know who has handled or
chemicals.
licked the sample before you).
Requires special equipment such as a UV lamp and
Other
Fluorescence,
geiger counter. These are not commonly tested for in
Radioactivity
Properties
an introductory lab.
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