Rock or Mineral

In lab we have explored the differences of identifying a mineral as opposed to identifying a rock. For a mineral, we took the time to determine the relative hardness, by beginning with a scratch test on a thick piece of glass. We also checked for streaks, luster, fracture or cleavage, etc. Some of the minerals were of amazing beauty and structure. Of those minerals, we had the opportunity of working with and identifying: galena, quartz, talc, crystal and various others. For the rock identification we noted that a rock contains minerals, but is not entirely mineral material. For a rock, we identified the characteristics by first looking at the rock and identifying the rock type. The three rock types to choose from are igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. We proceeded to check the color and texture in order to identify the rock. We also physically showed the composition of limestone to be calcite, by placing a drop of hydrochloric acid on the rock and watching a fizzing chemical reaction.

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Topics: 10 Tenth Grade
Date: Monday, November 22nd, 2010 2:32 pm