How can we identify a mineral or a rock? GPS S3E1b. Recognize the physical attributes of rocks and...
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Transcript of How can we identify a mineral or a rock? GPS S3E1b. Recognize the physical attributes of rocks and...
How can we identify a mineral or a rock?
GPS S3E1b. Recognize the physical attributes of rocks and minerals using observation, measurement, and simple tests.
Let’s do the hardness or scratch test!
• You will need: your fingernail, a penny, a concrete nail, different kinds of minerals, and the Mohs Scale of Hardness chart below.
But wait!!!
• We cannot identify all rocks and minerals just by looking at their color/s.
• Why? Can you tell which is gold and which is pyrite (fools gold)?
So we need the other properties of minerals to help us identify them.
• Streak is another property. It is the color of the fine powder produced when a mineral is rubbed against a hard surface.
…another property of mineral is luster.
• Luster describes how light bounces off (reflects) a mineral.
• Which is metallic and shiny and which is dull?
The texture or the “feel” of a mineral depends on the size of its particles.
This mineral has very tiny particles. It has a smooth texture.
This mineral has big particles. It has a rough texture.
The way to identify rocks and minerals is learning about their properties:
• Color• Streak• Hardness• Luster• Texture
Let’s Review!
• Read pp. 124 and 125 of your book. Use the pictures to help you understand what you read.
Now it’s your turn to identify your rock!
• Adopt a pet rock. • Fill out the chart. Make your pet rock “look good” by following the rubric.