Today in class, we worked mostly on the mineral identification lab. Before we started the lab, we took a "pre-test" on rocks and minerals. Be sure to get that from Ms. Meyer if you missed today! The lab we did today is also very important because on Thursday, we will be given un-identified minerals and we will need to figure out which is which based on our notes from todays lab. If you missed the lab, it is important that you make it up!!
Now, for to conduct the lab:
We tested 12 minerals with 8 tests...the tests were the following-
COLOR: find the direct color that the mineral appears to the eye. Be as specific as possible (etc. dark-greyish green)
STREAK: the color that the mineral leaves when rubbed against the given tile. It is not always the same color as the mineral, so be careful, and a white streak is a white streak - do not classify it as no streak!!
LUSTER: how shiney the mineral appears and the degree which light is transmitted by the mineral. It is either metallic or non-metallic, there are 8 options.
HARDNESS: meausured by how easily the mineral is scratched by the hardness testing kit.
CLEAVAGE: planes of weakness along which chemical bonding is weaker (how "flakey" the mineral is). There are three degrees - Perfect (only Biotite), Good, and Poor.
MAGNETISM: using a magnet, test to see if there is a magnetic attraction (HINT: there is only one, and the name gives it away).
ACID REACTION: using a low concentration acid solution, allow one drop to react, and the reaction will make the mineral bubble and fiz.
TASTE: obviously we aren't putting these minerals in our mouth, but none of them actually have a taste!
Madeline, you're up for tomorrow!
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