Mineral Identification


Observe and measure the properties of a mineral sample, and then use a key to identify the mineral. Students can observe the color, luster, shape, density, hardness, streak, and reaction to acid for each mineral. There are 26 mineral samples to identify.

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Assessment Questions (5):

  1. What mineral property is being tested below?

    Mineral test
  2. A mineral sample scratches fingernails, pennies, and glass but does not scratch steel as shown below. What is the hardness of the mineral?

    Hardness test
  3. A mineral sample has a mass of 4.2 grams and a volume of 2 milliliters. What is the density of the mineral?
  4. What mineral is described below? (Feel free to use the Mineral Key.)
    • - White and glassy in appearance
    • - Mass = 54 grams
    • - Volume = 20 milliliters
    • - Scratches a fingernail but not a penny
    • - Colorless streak
    • - Fizzes in acid
  5. Pyrite is called "fool's gold" because it looks a lot like gold. Which properties can be used to tell gold and pyrite apart?

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