2. How do we identify minerals? Mineral Identification Lab

4. Hardness

6. Color http://www.minresco.com http://www.gems-afghan.com http://www.globalcrystals.com http://www.prettyrock.com

8. Streak test http://www.uky.edu/KGS Streak is the color of a mineral powder. Many minerals appear a different color when powdered than they do as a big piece. The color may be entirely different, or it may be a different shade. http://cmsc.minotstateu.edu http://cmsc.minotstateu.edu

10. What is luster? Copyright © Dr. Richard Busch How do these look different? Courtesy United States Geological Survey Courtesy United States Geological Survey Each reflects light differently – that is luster! Which of these words would you use to describe these minerals? Glassy, metallic, dull, silky, waxy, pearly

11. Luster Waxy luster Glassy luster dull luster metallic luster metallic luster Glassy luster

13. Density How tightly packed the atoms are will make something heavy. Every mineral has its own density. These two items may have the same size – but do not weigh the same. Why?? Because the brick has atoms that are more tightly packed together than the styrofoam.

14. Minerals also have different densities. This means for equal size, they have their own special weight. http://www.palagems.com Which one is worth more? How could you tell? The first one is topaz (worth a lot) and the second is citrine quartz (not worth a lot). A scientist would measure their densities and they would be different!

15. Minerals also have different cystal patterns Copyright © Dr. Richard Busch http://www.wired-artist-jewelry.com http://webphysics.davidson.edu http://www.fabreminerals.com http://www.fabreminerals.com Crystal video clip

17. Another property is the way a mineral breaks. Cleavage means it breaks the same way every time. Fracture means it breaks in a random pattern that cannot be predicted. www.mrsciguy.com Calcite and halite break a special way. donsmaps.com www.visionlearning.com Quartz and chert break in a random pattern. There is not way to predict how they break.

20. Special Properties Magnetism Radioactivity Chemical Reaction Fluorescence Salty Taste But NEVER taste things in the lab! Double Image

22. Is Your Sample . . .? Metallic Non-Metallic

23. Streak Red/Red Brown Green/Brownish/Black Black

26. Hardness 6+ Penny (1-2)

28. Luster Bright Metallic Dull Metallic