Essay on Mineral id

Submitted By wackypup
Words: 804
Pages: 4

University of Phoenix Material

Mineral Identification Worksheet
Part 1: Recording Observations

In the chart below, record your observations of each test for the seven minerals provided. 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.

Recorded observations for minerals 1–7
Tests
Example
Mineral 1
Mineral 2
Mineral 3
Mineral 4
Mineral 5
Mineral 6
Mineral 7
Color
White
Green
Green
White
pink
White
White
Green
Streak
White
Black
White
White
White
White
White
Brown
Luster
Shiny
Dull
Dull
Pearly
Dull
Pearly
Dull
Dull
Specific gravity
3.18
5.1 (very heavy)
2.8 light
2.7 light
2.6 light
2.65 light
2.4 light
2.2 light
Cleavage and fracture
Cleavage
Fracture
Cleavage
Cleavage fracture fracture cleavage cleavage
Hardness
4
4
1
2
6
9
1.5
3
Acid
No reaction
No Reaction
N/A
active
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Part 2: Naming the Minerals

Name the minerals in the table 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?

Note. Be specific regarding the test you performed and the results, even if you are 100% certain of the mineral’s identification.

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
75%
I believe that mineral 1 could be pyrite. There are many similarities with what pyrite are known for. In my testing I noticed a few differences, like the coloring and the hardness was off a little as well.
Mineral 2: Talc
80%
I am almost certain that this mineral is Talc because of the similarities with what talc is known for. The luster can be opinionated to different people. When the mineral was broke there were a few differences of what Talc is known for but im certain this could be talc.
Mineral 3: Calcite
90%
I am almost certain that this mineral is Calcite but there could be some discussion about the luster. When I looked at it I saw a little more pearly that I did see shiny, and calcite is known to be shinny.
Mineral 4: orthoclase Feldspar
99%
I am certain that this mineral is Orthoclase Feldspar. My testing were accurate with what this mineral is known for. This dull light mineral fracture and had no reaction to acid.
Mineral 5: Gypsum
80%
I am almost certain that this mineral could be gypsum. There is a different opinion on the luster as well with the hardness but over all it is a soft mineral. This mineral also has no reaction to acid.
Mineral 6: Borax
80%
I am almost certain that this mineral is Borax. There was no reaction to acid, but the hardness and the gravity can determine on the size of the mineral during testing.
Mineral 7: Graphite
70%
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