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Axia College Material Appendix C Mineral Identification Worksheet Open the simulation and print this worksheet and the Mineral Identification Job Aid. Then do the following: 1. Conduct all tests on the minerals in the virtual lab. Minerals in the virtual lab are numbered 1–7. Keep track of which mineral you are working with as you record your observations. 2. Record your observations of each test in Part 1 of this worksheet. Help: Refer to the job aids in the upper right corner of the test screens to help you interpret what you observe. 3.
Identify the minerals by comparing your observations with the Mineral Identification Reference Sheet. Write the name of each mineral in Part 2 of this worksheet. Help: The minerals in the virtual lab are numbered to conceal their identities, but the minerals will include seven of those listed below. To help you identify them, refer to the Mineral Identification Job Aid. • Borax • Calcite • Corundum • Graphite • Gypsum • Orthoclase feldspar • Pyrite • Quartz • Talc • Topaz 4. Post Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 in this worksheet as an attachment to your Assignment Section.
Delete the introductory instructions in this worksheet before you submit it to your instructor. Part 1: Recording Observations |Recorded Observations for Minerals 1–7 | |Tests |Example |Mineral 1 | |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. 8, which is higher than gypsum, so I am pretty sure it | | | |is fluorite. | |Mineral 1: Pyrite |90% certain |I am pretty certain this mineral pyrite, it is the only one gold in color. Light being shined | | | |on it does not make a difference.
It is a hard mineral and has no reaction to acid. | |Mineral 2: Talc |95% certain |This mineral has the same coloring as talc; it is not a very heavy mineral and has no reaction | | | |to acid. These findings are what lead me to believe that it was in fact talc. |Mineral 3: Calcite |98% certain |Calcite is white in color, streaks white, has some shiny spots when light is on it, same with | | | |gypsum. However, calcite reacts with acid and gypsum does not, which is why this mineral is | | | |calcite. |Mineral 4: Orthoclase Feldspar |97% certain |This mineral is pink and color which is the same as that of orthoclase feldspar. Light being | | | |shined on it make it have shiny spots. It is not a soft or heavy mineral. | |Mineral 5: Quartz |100% certain |The quartz is similar to the gypsum.
However the quartz is extremely heavier than gypsum. | | | |Quartz is shiny when light is on it and gypsum in only shiny is some spots. Which is why this | | | |mineral is the quartz. | |Mineral 6: Gypsum |99% certain |Gypsum has several similarities to quartz and calcite.
Quartz is heavier than gypsum and | | | |calcite reacts to acid where gypsum does not. It is a fairly light and soft mineral. | |Mineral 7: Graphite |100% certain |Graphite is black in color and streaks brown so does mineral number seven. It is shiny when | | | |light is shined on it. This mineral also has no reaction to acid. |